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JO^ 


THE 


ILIAD  OF  HdtER. 


TRANSLATED  BY 

ALEXANDER   POPE, 


%YITH  NOTES  AND  INTRODUCTION  BY  REV.  THEODORE 
ALOIS  BUCKLEY,  M.A. 

bos  Ai^Gebes 

]V[ 61:501710  LiikrGcrY 
bos  An<^eles,  Cal. 

NEW  YORK: 

A.  L.  BURT,  PUBLISHER. 


PA 


sq 


{0 


*>2. 


CONTENTS. 


BOOK  I.  „^^„ 

PAGE 

Tlie  Contention  of  Achilles  and  Agamemnon 61 

BOOK  II. 
The  Trial  of  the  Army,  and  Catalogue  of  the  Forces 85 

BOOK  III. 
The  Duel  of  Menelaiis  and  Paris 115 

BOOK  IV. 
Tlie  Breach  of  the  Truce,  and  the  First  Battle 131 

BOOK  V. 
The  Acts  of  Diomed 148 

BOOK  VI. 

The  Episodes  of  Glaucus  and  Diomed,  and  of  Hector  and 

Andromache 1^6 

BOOK  VII. 
The  Single  Combat  of  Hector  and  Ajax 194 

BOOK  VIII. 
The  Second  Battle,  t^nd  the  Distress  of  the  Greeks 209 

BOOK  IX. 
The  Embassy  to  Achilles 228 

BOOK  X. 
The  Night  Adventure  of  Diomed  and  Ulysses 250 

BOOK  XI. 
The  Third  Battle,  and  the  Act.s  of  Agamemnon 267 


iv  CONTENTS. 

BOOK    XII.  PAGE 

The  Battle  at  the  Grecian  Wall 291 

BOOK  XIII. 

The  Fourth  Battle  Continued,  in  which  Neptune  Assists  the 

Greeks — The  Acts  of  Idomeneus 305 

BOOK  XIV. 
Juno  Deceives  Jupiter  by  the  Girdle  of  Venus 330 

BOOK  XV. 
The  Fifth  Battle,  at  the  Ships;  and  the  Acts  of  Ajax 346 

BOOK  XVI. 
The  Sixth  Battle;  the  Acts  and  Death  of  Patroclus 368 

BOOK  XVII. 

The  Seventh  Battle,  for  the  Body  of  Patroclus — The  Acts  of 

Menelaiis , 394 

BOOK  XVIII. 
The  Grief  of  Achilles,  and  New  Armor  Made  Him  by  Vulcan . .  415 

BOOK  XIX. 
The  Reconciliation  of  Achilles  and  Agamemnon 434 

BOOK  XX. 
The  Battle  of  the  Gods,  and  the  Acts  of  Achilles 446 

BOOK  XXL 
The  Battle  in  the  River  Scamander 461 

BOOK  XXII. 
The  Death  of  Hector „ 479 

BOOK  xxni. 

Funeral  Games  in  Honor  of  Patroclus 495 

BOOK  XXIV. 
The  Redemption  of  the  Body  of  Hector 531 


INTRODUCTION. 

Skepticism  is  as  much  the  result  of  knowledge,  as 
knowledge  is  of  skepticism.  To  be  content  with  what 
we  at  present  know,  is,  for  the  most  part,  to  shut  our 
ears  against  conviction;  since,  from  the  very  gradual 
character  of  our  education,  we  must  continually  forget, 
and  emancipate  ourselves  from,  knowledge  previously 
acquired;  we  must  set  aside  old  notions  and  embrace 
fresh  ones;  and  as  we  learn,  we  must  be  daily  unlearn- 
ing something  wliich  it  has  cost  us  no  small  labor  and 
anxiety  to  acquire. 

And"  this  ditficulty  attaches  itself  more  closely  to  an 
age  in  which  progress  has  gained  a  strong  ascendency 
over  prejudice,  and  in  which  persons  and  things  are, 
day  by  day,  finding  their  real  level,  in  lieu  of  their 
conventional  value.  The  same  principles  which  have 
swept  away  traditional  abuses,  and  which  are  making 
rapid  havoc  among  the  revenues  of  sinecurists,  and 
stripping  the  thin,  tawdry  veil  from  attractive  supersti- 
tions, are  working  as  actively  in  literature  as  in  society. 
The  credulity  of  one  writer,  or  the  partiality  of  an- 
other, finds  as  powerful  a  touchstone  and  as  wiiolesome 
a  chastisement  in  the  healthy  skepticism  of  a  temperate 
class  of  antagonists,  as  tlie  dreams  of  conservatism,  or 
the  impostures  of  pluralist  sinecures  in  the  Church. 
History  and  tradition,  whether  of  ancient  or  compara- 
tively recent  times,  are  subjected  to  very  diiferent 
handling  from  that  which  the  indulgence  or  credulity 
of  former  ages  could  allow.  Mere  statements  are  jeal- 
ously watched,  and  the  motives  of  the  writer  form  as 
important  an  ingredient  in  the  analysis  of  his  history, 
as  tiie  facts  lie  records.  Probability  is  a  powerful  and 
troublesome  test;  and  it  is  by  this  troublesome  standard 
that  a  large  poi'tion  of  historical  evidence  is  sifted. 
(Jonsistency  is  no  less  pertinacious  and  exacting  in  its 
demands.  In  brief,  to  write  a  history,  we  must  know 
more  than  mere  facts.  Human  nature,  viewed  under 
an  induction  of  cxtonde<l  experience,  is  the  best  lie!p 
to  the  criticism  of  human   history.     Historical  charac- 


Q  TNTRODUCTION. 

ters  can  only  be  estimated  by  the  standard  which  human 
experience,  whether  actual  or  traditionary,  has  fur- 
nished. To  form  correct  views  of  individuals  we  must 
regard  them  as  forming  parts  of  a  great  whole — we 
must  measure  them  by  their  relation  to  the  mass  of 
beings  by  whom  they  are  surrounded,  and,  in  contem- 
plating the  incidents  in  their  lives  or  condition  which 
tradition  has  handed  down  to  us,  we  must  rather  con- 
sider the  general  bearing  of  the  whole  narrative,  than 
the  respective  probability  of  its  details. 

It  is  unfortunate  for  us,  that,  of  some  of  the  greatest 
men,  we  know  least,  and  talk  most.'  Homer,  Socrates, 
and  Shakespere*  have,  perhaps,  contributed  more  to 
the  intellectual  enlightenment  of  mankind  than  any 
other  three  writers  who  could  be  named,  and  yet  the 
history  of  all  three  has  given  rise  to  a  boundless  ocean 
of  discussion,  which  has  left  us  little  save  the  option 
of  choosing  which  theory  or  theories  we  will  follow. 
The  personality  of  Shakespere  is,  perhaps,  the  only 
thing  in  which  critics  will  allow  us  to  believe  without 
controversy;  but  upon  everything  else  even  down  to  the 
authorship  of  plays,  there  is  more  or  less  of  doubt  and 


*  "  What,"  says  Arclideacon  Wilberforce,  "  is  tlae  natural  root 
of  loyalty  as  distinguished  from  such  mere  selfish  desire  of  per- 
sonal security  as  is  apt  to  take  its  place  in  civilized  times,  but 
that  consciousness  of  a  natural  bond  among  the  families  of  men, 
which  gives  a  fellow-feeling  to  whole  clans  and  nations,  and  thus 
enlists  their  affections  in  behalf  of  those  time-honored  representa- 
tives of  their  ancient  blood,  in  whose  success  they  feel  a  personal 
interest  ?  Hence  the  delight  when  we  recognize  an  act  of  nobility 
or  justice  in  our  hereditary  princes. 

"  '  Tuque  prior,  tu  parce  genus  qui  ducis  Olympo, 
Projice  tela  manu  sanguis  meus.' 

"  So  strong  is  this  feeling  that  it  regains  an  engrafted  influence 
even  when  history  witnesses  that  vast  convulsions  have  rent  and 
weakened  it;  and  the  Celtic  feeling  toward  the  Stuarts  has  been 
rekindled  in  our  own  days  toward  the  granddaughter  of  George 
the  Third  of  Hanover. 

"  Somewhat  similar  may  be  seen  in  the  disposition  to  idolize 
those  great  lawgivers  of  man's  race,  who  have  given  expression, 
in  the  immortal  language  of  song,  to  the  deeper  inspirations  of 
our  nature.  The  thoughts  of  Homer  or  of  Shakespere  are  the 
universal  inheritance  of  the  human  race.  In  this  mutual  ground 
every  man  meets  his  brother;  they  have  been  set  forth  by  the 
providence  of  God  to  vindicate  for  all  of  us  what  nature  could 
effect,  and  that,  in  these  representatives  of  our  race,  we  might 
recognize  our  common  beuefactars." — Doctrine  of  the  Incarnation, 
pp.  9,  10. 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

uncertainty.  Of  Socrates  we  know  as  little  as  the  con- 
tradictions of  Plato  and  Xenophon  will  allow  _ns  to 
know.  He  was  one  of  the  dramatis  2i&>'sonce  in  two 
dramas  as  nnlike  in  principles  as  in  style.  He  appears 
as  the  ennnciator  of  opinions  as  different  in  their  tone 
as  those  of  the  writers  who  have  handed  them  down. 
When  we  have  read  Plato  or  Xenophon,  we  think  we 
know  something  of  Socrates;  when  we  have  fairly  read 
and  examined  both,  we  feel  convinced  that  we  are 
something  worse  than  ignorant. 

It  has  been  an  easy,  and  a  popular  expedient,  of  late 
years,  to  deny  the  personal  or  real  existence  of  men 
and  things  whose  life  and  condition  were  too  much  for 
our  belief.  This  system — which  has  often  comforted 
the  religious  skeptic,  and  suhstituted  the  consolations 
of  Strauss  for  those  of  the  New  Testament— has  been 
of  incalculable  value  to  the  historical  theorists  of  the 
last  and  present  centuries.  To  question  the  existence 
of  Alexander  the  Great  would  be  a  more  excusable  act  ■ 
tlktm  to  believe  in  that  of  Romulus.  To  deny  a  fact 
related  in  Herodotus,  because  it  is  inconsistent  with  a 
theory  developed  from  an  Assyrian  inscription  which 
no  two  scholars  read  in  the  same  way,  is  more  pardona-^ 
ble  than  to  believe  in  the  good-natured  old  king  whom 
the  elegant  pen  of  Florian  has  ideaMzed—Suma  Fom- 
pilius. 

Skepticism  has  attained  its  culminating  point  with 
respect  to  Homer,  and  the  state  of  our  Homeric  knowl- 
edge may  be  described  as  a  free  permission  to  believe 
any  theory,  provided  we  throw  overboard  all  written 
tradition  concerning  the  author  or  authors  of  the  Iliad 
and  Odyssey.  AVhat  few  authorities  exist  on  the  sub- 
ject are"  summarily  dismissed,  although  the  arguments 
ajjpear  to  run  in  a  circle.  "This  cannot  be  true,  be- 
cause it  is  not  true;  and  that  is  not  true,  because  it 
cannot  be  true."  Such  seems  to  be  the  style  in  which 
testimony  ujion  testimony,  statement  upon  statement, 
is  consigned  to  denial  and  oblivion. 

It  is,  hownvor,  unfortuiiate  that  the  professed  biogra- 
phies of  Hoiiiur  are  partly  forgeries,  partly  freaks  of 
ingenuity  and  imagination,  in  which  truth  is  the  requi- 
site most  wanting,  iicroro  taking  a  brief  review  of  the 
Homeric  theory  in  its  present  conditions,  some  notice 
must  be  taken  of  the  treatise  on  the  Life  of  Homer 
which  has  been  attributed  to  Herodotus. 


8  INTRODUCTION. 

According  to  this  docnment,  the  city  of  Cnmae  in 
/Eolia,  was,  at  an  early  period,  the  seat  of  frequent 
immigrations  from  various  parts  of  Greece.  Among 
the  immigrants  was  Menapolus,  the  son  of  Ithagenes. 
Although  poor,  he  married,  and  the  result  of  the  union 
was  a  girl  named  Critheis.  The  girl  was  left  an  orphan 
at  an  early  age,  under  the  guardianship  of  Cleanax,  of 
Argos.  It  is  to  the  indiscretion  of  this  maiden  that  we 
"are  indebted  for  so  much  happiness."  Homer  was 
the  first  fruit  of  her  juvenile  frailty,  and  received  the 
name  of  Melesignes,  from  having  been  born  near  the 
river  Meles,  in  Boeotia,  whither  Critheis  had  been 
transi^orted  in  order  to  save  her  reputation. 

"At  this  time,"  continues  our  narrative,  "there  lived 
at  Symrna  a  man  named  Phemius,  a  teacher  of  litera- 
ture and  music,  who,  not  being  married,  engaged  Cri- 
theis to  manage  his  household,  and  spin  the  flax  he 
received  as  the  price  of  his  scholastic  labors.  So  satis- 
factory was  her  performance  of  this  task,  and  so  modest 
her  conduct,  that  he  made  proposals  of  marriage,  de- 
claring himself,  as  a  further  inducement,  willing  to 
adopt  her  son,  who,  he  asserted,  woukl  become  a  clever 
man  if  he  were  carefully  brought  up." 

They  were  married;  careful  cultivation  ripened  the 
talents  which  nature  had  bestowed,  and  Melesigenes 
soon  surpassed  his  schoolfellows  in  every  attainment, 
and,  when  older,  rivaled  his  preceptor  in  wisdom. 
Phemius  died,  leaving  him  sole  heir  to  his  property, 
and  his  mother  soon  followed.  Melesigenes  carried  on 
his  adopted  father's  school  with  great  success,  exciting 
the  admiration  not  only  of  the  inhabitants  of  Smyrna, 
bnt  also  of  the  strangers  whom  the  trade  carried  on 
there,  especially  in  the  exportation  of  corn,  attracted 
to  that  city.  Among  these  visitors,  one  Mentes,  from 
Leucadia,  the  modern  Santa  Maura,  who  evinced  a 
knowledge  and  intelligence  rarely  found  in  those  times, 
persuaded  Melesigenes  to  close  his  school,  and  accom- 
pany him  on  his  travels.  He  promised  not  only  to  pay 
his  expenses,  but  to  furnish  him  with  a  further  stipend, 
urging,  that,  "While  he  was  yet  young,  it  was  fitting 
that  he  should  see  with  his  own  eyes  the  countries  and 
cities  which  might  hereafter  be  the  subjects  of  his  dis- 
courses." Melesigenes  consented,  and  set  out  with  his 
patron,  "examining  all  the  curiosities  of  the  countries 
they  visited,  and  informing  himself  of  everything  by 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

interrogating  those  whom  he  met."  We  may  also  sup- 
pose, that  he  wrote  memoirs  of  all  that  he  deemed 
worthy  of  preservation.*  Having  set  sail  from  Tyr- 
rhenia  and  Iberia,  they  reached  Ithaca.  Here  Mele- 
sigenes,  who  had  already  snlfered  in  his  eyes,  became 
much  worse;  and  Mentes,  who  was  about  to  leave  for 
Leucadia,  left  him  to  the  medical  superintendence  of  a 
friend  of  his,  named  Mentor,  the  son  of  Alcinor.  Un- 
der his  hospitable  and  intelligent  host,  Melesigenes 
rapidly  became  acquainted  with  the  legends  respecting 
Ulysses,  which  afterward  formed  the  subject  of  the 
Odyssey.  The  inhabitants  of  Ithaca  assert,  that  it  was 
here  that  Melesigenes  became  blind,  but  the  Colopho- 
nians  make  their  city  the  seat  of  that  misfortune.  He 
then  returned  to  Smyrna,  where  he  applied  himself  to 
the  study  of  poetry. f 

But  poverty  soon  drove  him  to  Cum^.  Having  passed 
over  the  Hermaean  plain,  he  arrived  at  Neon  Teichos, 
the  New  Wall,  a  colony  of  Cumte.  Here  his  misfor- 
tunes and  poetical  talent  gained  him  the  friendship  of 
one  Tychias,  an  armorer.  ''And  up  to  my  time,"  con- 
tinued the  author,  "the  inhabitants  showed  the  place 
where  he  used  to  sit  when  giving  a  recitation  of  his 
verses;  and  they  greatly  honored  the  spot.     Here  also 


*EiMoi  Se  Miv  fjv  xai  i.iv7]i.i66vva  Tcdvrojy  ypdcpedOat. 
Vit.  Horn,  in  Scbweigb.  Herodot.  t.  iv.  j).  299,  sq.  i^  6.  I  may- 
observe  tbat  this  Life  bas  been  parapbrased  in  En^rlisb  by  my 
learned  younfij  friend,  Kennetb  R.  H.  Mackenzie,  and  appended 
to  my  prose  translation  of  tbe  Odyssey.  Tbe  present  abridgment, 
however,  will  contain  all  tbat  is  of  use  to  tbe  reader,  for  tbe 
biograpbical  value  of  tbe  treatise  is  most  insignificant. 

f  /.  e.  botb  of  composing  and  reciting  verses,  for,  as  Blair  ob- 
serves, "  Tbe  first  poets  sang  tbeir  own  verses."  Sextus  Empir. 
adv.  Mus.  p.  360.  ed.  Fabric.  Ov  ajufXEi  yj  rot  Hal  oi 
notrjral  /.leXoTtoiol  XeyovTcxi,  Hal  rd  'QjiiTJpov  sv:?/  rd  TtdXat 
Ttpoi  Xvpav  ijoero. 

"Tbe  voice,"  oljserves  Ileeren,  "was  always  accompanied  by 
some  in.strument.  Tbe  bard  was  provided  with  a  barp,  on  wbicli 
be  played  a  prelude,  to  elevate  and  inspire  bis  mind,  and  with 
wbicb  be  accompanied  tbe  song  wben  begun.  His  voice  probably 
preserved  a  medium  bc^twecn  singing  and  recitation:  tbe  words, 
and  not  tbe  mtdody,  were  regarded  Ijy  tbe  listeners;  bence  it  was 
necessary  for  biin  to  remain  intcliigil)le  to  all.  In  countries 
wbere  notbing  similar  is  found,  it  is  dillicult  to  represent  siicb 
scenes  to  tbe  mind:  l)ut  wboever  bas  bad  an  opportunity  of  listen- 
ing to  tbe  improvisatori  of  Italy,  can  easily  form  an  idea  of  Demo- 
docusand  I'li'-mius."— /incie/t<  Greece,  p.  ill. 


10  INTRODUCriON. 

a  poplar  grew,  which  they  said  had  sprung  up  ever 
since  Melosigenes  arrived."* 

But  poverty  still  drove  him  on,  and  he  went  by  way 
of  Larissa,  as  being  the  most  convenient  road.  Here, 
the  Cunians  say,  he  composed  an  epitaph  on  Gordius, 
king  of  Phrygia,  which  has,  however,  and  with  greater 
probability,  been  attributed  to  Cleobulus  of  Lindus.f 

Arrived  at  Cumae,  he  frequented  the  converzationesX 
of  the  old  men,  and  delighted  all  by  the  charms  of  his 
poetry.  Encouraged  by  this  favorable  reception,  he 
declared  that,  if  they  would  allow  him  a  public  main- 
tenance, he  would  render  tlieir  city  most  gloriously  re- 
newed. They  avowed  their  willingness  to  support  him 
in  the  measure  he  proposed,  and  procured  him  an  audi- 
ence in  the  council.  Having  made  the  speech,  with 
the  purport  of  which  our  author  has  forgotten  to  ac- 
quaint us,  he  retii-ed,  and  left  them  to  debate  respect- 
ing tlie  answer  to  be  given  to  his  proposal. 

The  greater  part  of  the  assembly  seemed  favorable  to 
the  poet's  demand,  but  one  man  observed  that  '"if  they 
were  to  feed  Homers,  they  would  be  encumbered  with 
a  multitude  of  useless  people."  "From  this  circum- 
stance," says  the  writer,  "Melesigenes  acquired  the 
name  of  Homer,  for  the  Cumans  call  blind  men  Ho- 
mers.'" %     With   a  love  of  economy,  which  shows  how 

*"  Should  it  not  be,  since  my  arrival  ?"  asks  Mackenzie,  ob- 
serving that,  "  poplars  can  hardly  live  so  long."  But,  setting 
aside  the  fact  that  we  must  not  expect  consistency  in  a  mere 
romance,  the  ancients  had  a  superstitious  belief  in  the  great  age 
of  trees  which  grew  near  places  consecrated  by  the  presence  of 
gods  and  great  men.  See  Cicero  de  Legg.  ii.  i,  sub  init.,  where 
he  speaks  of  the  plane  tree  under  which  Socrates  used  to  walk, 
and  of  the  tree  at  Delos,  where  Latona  gave  birth  to  Apollo.  This 
passage  is  referred  to  by  Stephanas  of  Byzantium,  s.  «.  N.  T. 
p.  490,  ed.  de  Pinedo.  I  omit  quoting  any  of  the  dull  epigrams 
ascribed  to  Homer,  for,  as  Mr.  Justice  Talfourd  rightly  observes, 
"  The  authenticity  of  these  fragments  depends  upon  that  of  the 
pseudo-Herodotean  Life  of  Homer,  from  which  they  are  taken." 
Lit.  of  Greece,  pp.  38,  in  Encyl.  Metrop.  Cf.  Coleridge,  Classic 
Poets,  p.  317. 

f  It  is  quoted  as  the  work  of  Cleobulus,  by  Diogenes  Laert.  Vit. 
Cleob.  p.  62,  ed.  Casaub. 

XI  trust  I  am  justified  in  employing  this  as  an  equivalent  for 
the  Greek  Xe6xai. 

%'fLi  £1  rovi'OjuTjpov;  (5d?ez  rpsqpsiv  avroK,  outXov  itoWov 
rEKalax(iE6ivjiov6iv,ivTEv<iEv  Se  ual  rovvofia  O^n^poZ 
ETtEKpdzTtde  Ton  MF.Xy]6iyEl  dito  rfji  6v)xq)opi/<;  oi  yap  Kvjua'iot 
TuvS  TvcpXovi' Ofnjpovi  Xeyovoiv.  Vit.  Houi.  I.  c.  p.  311.  The 
etymology  has  been  condemned  by  recent  scholars.  See 
Welcker,  Epi.sche  Cyclus,  p.  127,  and  Mackenzie's  note,  p.  xiv. 


INTRODUCTION.  H 

similar  the  world  has  always  been  in  its  treatment  of 
literav}'  men,  the  pension  was  denied,  and  the  poet 
vented  his  disappointment  in  a  wish  that  Cnmcea  might 
never  produce  a  poet  capable  of  giving  it  renown  and 
glory. 

At  Phocoea,  Homer  was  destined  to  experience  an- 
other literary  distress.  One  Thestorides,  who  aimed  at 
the  reputation  of  i:)oetical  genius,  kept  Homer  in  his 
own  house,  and  allowed  him  a  pittance,  on  condition  of 
the  verses  of  the  poet  passing  in  his  name.  Having 
collected  sufficient  poetry  to  be  profitable,  Thestorides, 
like  some  would-be-literary  publishers,  neglected  the 
man  whose  brains  he  had  sucked,  and  left  him.  At 
his  departure.  Homer  is  said  to  have  observed:  "0 
Thestorides,  of  the  many  thiiigs  hidden  from  the  knowl- 
edge of  man,  nothing  is  more  unintelligible  than  the 
human  heart."  * 

Homer  continued  his  career  of  difficulty  and  distress, 
nntil  some  Chian  merchants,  struck  by  the  similarity 
of  the  verses  they  heard  him  recite,  acquairted  him 
with  the  fact  that  Thestorides  was  pursuing  a  profitable 
livelihood  by  the  recital  of  the  very  same  poems.  This 
at  once  determined  him  to  set  out  for  Chios.  No  ves- 
sel happened  then  to  be  setting  sail  thither,  but  he 
found  one  ready  to  start  for  Erythrre,  a  town  of  Ionia, 
which  faces  that  island,  and  he  prevailed  upon  the  sea- 
men to  allow  him  to  accompany  them.  Having  em- 
barked, he  invoked  a  favorable  wind,  and  prayed  that 
he  miglit  be  able  to  expose  the  imposture  of  Thestori- 
des, who,  by  his  breach  of  hospitality,  had  drawn  down 
the  wrath  of  Jove  the  Hospitable. 

At  Erythrfe  Homer  fortunately  met  with  a  person 
who  had  known  him  in  Phoccpa,  by  whose  assistance  he 
at  length,  after  some  difficulty,  reached  the  little  ham- 
let of  Pithys.  Here  he  met  with  an  adventure,  which 
we  will  continue  in  the  words  of  our  author.  "Having 
set  out  from  Pitliys,  Homer  went  on,  attracted  by  the 
cries  of  some  goats  that  were  pasturing.  The  dogs 
barked  on   his  approach,  and   he  cried   out.     Glaucus 


*  SeoTOfjiSffs,  OFf/rtJdiy  avaoidvoov  itoXecov  Ttspy  oiSiv 
aq>pa6T6TFfj()V  neXtrai  vo<w  nvOpMTtmoiy.  Ibid.  p.  315. 
iMirinj,'  liis  htiiy  at  \'\i(>i<i-.\,  lloiiior  is  i^md  to  liave  coini)<)sed  tlie 
Little  Iliad,  and  the  I'lioca-id.  See  Mailer's  Hist,  of  Lit.  vi.  ^  3. 
AVeJcker,  I.  c.  pp.  132,  272,  308,  sqq.,  and  Mure,  Gr.  Lit.  vol.  ii. 
p.  284,  sq. 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

(for  that  was  the  name  of  the  goat-herd)  heard  his 
voice,  ran  up  quickly,  called  oil  his  dogs,  and  drove 
them  away  from  Homer.  For  some  time  he  stood  won- 
dering how  a  blind  man  should  have  reached  such  a 
place  alone,  and  what  could  be  his  design  in  coming. 
He  then  went  up  to  him,  and  inquired  who  he  was,  and 
how  he  had  come  to  desolate  places  and  untrodden 
spots,  and  of  what  he  stood  in  need.  Homer,  by  re- 
counting to  him  the  whole  history  of  liis  misfortunes, 
moved  him  with  compassion;  and  he  took  him,  and  led 
him  to  his  cot,  and  liaving  lit  a  fire,  bade  him  sup.* 

The  dogs,  instead  of  eating,  kept  barking  at  the 
stranger,  according  to  their  usual  habit.  Whereupon 
Homer  addressed  Glaucus  thus:  "  0  Glaucus,  my  friend, 
prythee  attend  to  my  behest.  First-  give  the  dogs 
their  supper  at  the  doors  of  the  hut:  for  so  it  is  better, 
since,  while  they  watch,  nor  thief  nor  wild  beast  will 
approach  the  fold." 

Glaucus  was  pleased  with  the  advice,  and  marveled 
at  its  author.  Having  finished  supper,  they  banquetedf 
afresh  on  conversation.  Homer  narrating  his  wander- 
ings, and  telling  of  the  cities  he  had  visited. 

At  length  they  retired  to  rest;  but  on  the  following 
morning  Glaucus  resolved  to  go  to  his  master,  and  ac- 
quaint him  with  his  meeting  with  Homer.  Having 
left  the  goats  in  charge  of  a  fellow-servant,  he  left 
Homer  at  home^  promising  to  return  quickly.  Having 
arrived  at  Bolissus,  a  place  near  the  farm,  and  finding 
his  mate,  he  told  him  the  whole  story  respecting  Homer 
and  his  journey.  He  paid  little  attention  to  what  he 
said,  and  blamed  Glaucus  for  his  stupidity  in  taking  in 
and  feeding  maimed  and  enfeebled  persons.  However, 
he  bade  him  bring  the  stranger  to  him. 

*  This  is  so  pretty  a  picture  of  early  manners  and  hospitality, 
that  it  is  almost  a  pity  to  find  that  it  is  obviously  a  copy  from  the 
Odyssey.  See  the  fourteenth  book.  In  fact,  whoever  was  the 
author  of  this  fictitious  biography. he  showed  some  tact  in  identify- 
ing Homer  with  certain  events  described  in  his  poems,  and  in 
elicting  from  them  the  germs  of  something  like  a  personal  narra- 
tive. 

f  Aid  yoyoov  idrtcsvro.  A  common  metaphor.  So  Plato  calls 
the  parties  conversing  dairv/iovs?,  or  edridropsi,  Tim.  i.  p.  522. 
A.  Cf.  Themist.  Orat.  vi.  j).  ]08,  and  xvi.  p.  374,  ed.  Petav.  So 
8n]y7jfxa6t  6o$oii  bf-iov  Hal  znpnvoh  r/Sioo  rijv  fJoivj/y  roh 
£6riojjis vol's  ETtoiEi,  Choricius  in  Fabric.  Bibl.  Gr.  T.  viii.  p. 
851.    Xoyoii  yap  e6tia,  Athenseus,  vii.  p.  275,  A. 


INTRODUCTION.  13 

Glaucus  told  Homer  what  l^ad  taken  place,  and  bade 
him  follow  him,  assuring  him  that  good  fortune  would 
be  the  result.  Conversation  soon  showed  that  the 
stranger  was  a  man  of  much  cleverness  and  general 
knowledge,  and  the  Chian  persuaded  him  to  remain, 
and  to  undertake  the  charge  of  his  children.* 

Besides  the  satisfaction  of  driving  the  impostor  Thes- 
torides  from  the  ishmd.  Homer  enjoyed  considerable 
success  as  a  teacher.  In  the  town  of  Chios  he  estab- 
lished a  school  where  he  taught  the  precepts  of  poetry. 
"To  this  day,"  says  Chandler, f  "the  most  curious  re- 
maining is  that  which  has  been  named,  not  without 
reason,  the  School  of  Homer.  It  is  on  the  coast,  at 
some  distance  from  the  city,  northward,  and  apjiears  to 
have  been  an  open  temple  of  Cybele,  formed  on  the  top 
of  a  rock.  The  shape  is  oval,  and  in  the  center  is  the 
image  of  the  goddess,  the  head  and  an  arm  wanting. 
She  is  represented,  as  usual,  sitting.  The  chair  has  a 
lion  carved  on  each  side,  and  on  the  back.  The  area 
is  bounded  by  a  low  rim,  or  seat,  and  above  five  yards 
over.  The  whole  is  hewn  out  the  mountain,  is  rude, 
indistinct,  and  probably  of  the  most  remote  antiquity." 

So  successful  was  this  school,  that  Homer  realized  a 
considerable  fortune.  He  married,  and  had  two  daugh- 
ters, one  of  whom  died  single,  the  other  married  a 
Chian. 

The  following  passage  betrays  the  same  tendency  to 
connect  the  personages  of  the  poems  with  the  history 
of  the  poet,  which  has  already  been  mentioned: 

"In  his  poetical  compositions  Homer  displays  great 
gratitude  toward  Mentor  of  Ithaca,  in  the  Odyssey, 
whose  name  he  has  inserted  in  his  poem  as  the  com- 
panion of  Ulysses, J  in  return  for  the  care  taken  of  him 

*  It  was  at  Bolissus,  and  in  the  bouse  of  this  Chian  citizen,  that 
Homer  is  i;ai<l  to  liave  written  tlie  Batrachomyoniachia,  or  Battle 
of  the  Frogs  and  Mice;  tlie  Eplcichlidia,  and  some  other  minor 
works. 

f  Chandler,  Travels,  vol.  i.  p,  61,  referred  to  in  the  Voyage 
Pittoresque  dans  la  (irece,  vol.  i.  p.  92,  where  a  view  of  the  spot 
is  given,  f)f  which  tin;  author  candidly  says,  "  .Je  ne  puis  rt'i>oiidre 
d'une  exactitude  scrujjuieuse  dans  la  vue  grnerale  (]ue  j'cn  donne; 
car  etantalh'  s<miI  ])our  I'examiner,  je  perdis  mon  crayon,  vX  je  fus 
obligt'  de  m'en  (ier  il  ma  mi'moire.  Je  no  crois  cependant  pas 
avoir  trop  a  uie  ])iaindre  d'elle  en  cette  occasion." 

X  A  more  prohalde  reason  for  this  companionship,  and  for  the 
character  of  Mentor  itself,  is  given   by   the  allegorists,   viz.:  the 


14  INTROD  UCTION. 

when  afflicted  with  bliiiduess.  He  also  testifies  his 
gratitude  to  Pheinius,  who  had  given  him  both  suste- 
nance and  instruction," 

His  celebrity  continued  to  increase,  and  many  per- 
sons advised  him  to  visit  Greece,  whither  his  reputation 
had  now  extended.  Having,  it  is  said,  made  some  ad- 
ditions to  his  poems  calcuhited  to  please  the  vanity  of 
the  Athenians,  of  whose  city  he  had  hitherto  made  no 
mention,*  he  set  out  for  Samos.  Here  being  recog- 
nized by  a  Samian,  who  had  met  with  him  in  Chios, 
he  was  handsomely  received,  and  invited  to  join  in 
celebrating  the  Apaturian  festival.  He  recited  some 
verses,  which  gave  great  satisfaction,  and  by  singing 
the  Eiresioue  at  the  New  Moon  festivals,  he  earned  a 
subsistence,  visiting  the  houses  of  the  rich,  with  whose 
children  he  was  very  popular. 

In  the  spring  he  sailed  for  Athens,  and  arrived  at 
the  island  of  los,  now  Ino,  where  he  fell  extremely  ill, 
and  died.  It  is  said  chat  his  death  arose  from  vexa- 
tion, at  not  having  been  able  to  unravel  an  enigma 
proposed  by  some  fishermen's  children. f 

Such  is,  in  brief,  the  substance  of  the  earliest  life  of 
Homer  we  possess,  and  so  broad  are  the  evidences  of 
its  historical  worthlessness,  that  it  is  scarcely  necessary 
to  point  them  out  m  detail.  Let  us  now  consider  some 
of  the  opinions  to  which  a  persevering,  patient,  and 
learned — ^but  by  no  means  consistent — series  of  investi- 
gations has  led.  In  doing  so,  I  profess  to  bring  for- 
ward statements,  not  to  vouch  for  their  reasonableness 
or  probability. 

"Homer  appeared.  The  history  of  this  poet  and  his 
works  is  lost  in  doubtful  obscurity,  as  is  the  history  of 
many  of  the  first  minds  who  have  done  honor  to  hu- 
manity, because  they  rose  amid  darkness.  The  majestic 
stream  of  his  song,  blessing  and  fertilizing,  flows  like 
the  Nila,  thrc.igh  many  lands  and  nations;  and,  like 
the  sources  of  the  Nile,  its  fountains  will  ever  remain 
concealed." 

assumption  of  Mentor's  form  by  tlie  guardian  deity  of  the  wise 
Ulysses,  Minerva.  The  classical  reader  may  compare  Plutarch, 
0pp.  t.  ii.  p.  880;  Xylaud.  Heraclid.  Pont.  Alleg.  Hom.  p.  531-5, 
of  Gale's  Opusc.  Mythol.  Dionys.  Halic.  de  Horn.  Poes.  c.  15; 
Apul.  de  Deo  Socrat.  s.  f. 

*  Vit.  Hom.  §  28. 

f  The    riddle   is   given   in  §  35.     Compare   Mackenzie's   note, 

p.   XXX. 


INTROD  UCTION.  1 5 

Snch  are  the  words  in  which  one  of  the  most  judi- 
cious German  critics  lias  eloquently  described  the  un- 
certainty in  which  the  whole  of  the  Homeric  question 
is  involved.  With  no  less  truth  and  feeling  he  pro- 
ceeds: 

"It  seems  here  of  chief  iuiportanoe  to  expect  no 
more  than  the  nature  oi  things  makes  possible.  If  the 
period  of  tradition  in  history  is  the  region  of  twilight, 
we  should  not  expect  in  it  perfect  light.  The  creations 
of  genius  always  seem  like  miracles,  because  they  are, 
for  the  most  part,  created  far  out  of  the  reach  of  observ- 
ation. If  we  were  in  possession  of  all  the  historical 
tesimonies,  we  never  could  wholly  explain  the  origin 
of  the  Iliad  and  the  Odyssey;  for  their  origin,  in  all 
essential  points,  must  have  remained  the  secret  of  the 
poet."  * 

From  this  criticism,  which  shows  as  much  insight 
into  the  depths  of  human  nature  as  into  the  minute 
wire-drawings  of  scholastic  investigation,  let  us  pass  on 
to  the  main  question  at  issue.  Was  Homer  an  individ- 
nal?f  or  were  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  the  result  of  an 
ingenious  arrangement  of  fragments  by  earlier  poets? 

Well  has  Landor  remarked:  "Some  tell  us  there 
were  twenty  Homers;  some  deny  that  there  ever  was 
one.  It  were  idle  and  foolish  to  shake  the  contents  of 
a  vase,  in  order  to  let  them  settle  at  last.  We  ai'e  per- 
petually laboring  to  destroy  our  delights,  our  composure, 
our  devotion  to  superior  power.  Of  all  the  animals  on 
earth  we  least  know  what  is  good  for  us.  My  opinion 
is,  that  wiiat  is  best  for  us  is  our  admiration  of  good. 
Mo  man  living  venerates  Homer  more  than  I  do."  | 

But  greatly  as  we  admire  the  generous  enthusiasm 
which  rests  contente<l  with  the  poetry  on  which  its  best 
impulses  had  been  nurtured  and  fostered,  without  seek- 
ing to  destroy  the  vividness  of  first  impressions  by  mi- 
nute analysis — our  editorial  office  compels  us  to  give 
some  attention  to  the  doubts  and  diiliculties  with  which 
the  Homeric  question  is  beset,  and  to  entreat  our 
reader,  for  a  brief  period,  to  ])refer  liis  judgment  to  his 
imagination,  aiul  to  condescend  to  dry  details, 

JJefore,  however,  entering  into  particulars  respecting 

*  rie«;ren'.s  Ancient  Circfcft,  p.  96. 

•f  (V)in{iare  Sir  E.  \j.  liuhvcr'H  Caxtftiis,  v.  i.  p.  4. 

t  Pericles  aud  Aspasia,  Letter  Jxxxiv.,  Works,  vol.  ii.  p.  387. 


IG  INTRODUCTION. 

the  question  of  this  unity  of  the  Homeric  poems  (at 
least  of  the  Iliad),  I  nmst  express  my  sympathy  with 
the  sentiments  expressed  in  the  following  remarks: 

"AVe  cannot  but  tiiink  the  universal  admiration  of 
its  unity  by  the  better,  the  poetic  age  of  Greece,  almost 
conclusive  testimony  to  its  original  composition.  It 
was  not  until  the  age  of  the  grammarians  that  its  prim- 
itive integrity  was  called  in  question;  nor  is  it;  injustice 
to  assert,  that  the  minute  and  analytical  spirit  of  a 
grammarian  is  not  the  best  qualification  for  the  pro- 
found feeling,  the  comprehensive  conception  of  an  har- 
monious whole.  The  most  exquisite  anatomist  may  be 
no  judge  of  the  symmetry  of  the  human  frame:  and  we 
would  take  the  opinion  of  Chantrey  or  Westmacott  on 
the  proportions  and  general  beauty  of  a  form,  rather 
than  that  of  Mr.  Brodie  or  Sir  Astley  Cooper. 

"There  is  some  truth,  though  some  malicious  exag- 
geration, in  the  lines  of  Pope: 

"  '  The  critic  eye — tliat  microscope  of  wit — 
Sees  hairs  and  pores,  examines  bit  by  bit; 
How  parts  relate  to  parts,  or  tV.ey  to  whole. 
The  body's  harmony,  the  beaming  soul. 
Are  things  which  Kuster,  Burmann,  Wasse,  shall  see, 
When  man's  whole  frame  is  obvious  to  a  flea.'  "* 

Long  was  the  time  which  elapsed  before  any  one 
dreamed  of  questioning  the  unity  of  the  authorship  of 
the  Homeric  jDoems.  The  grave  and  cautious  Thucy- 
dides  quoted  without  hesitation  the  Hymn  to  Apollo, f 
the  athenticity  of  which  has  been  already  disclaimed 
by  modern  critics.  Longinus,  in  an  oft-quoted  passage, 
merely  expressed  an  opinion  touching  the  comparative 
inferiority  of  the  Odyssey  to  the  Iliad  ;J  and,  among  a 


*  I 


Quarterly  Review,  No.  Ixxxvii.  p.  147. 
f  Viz.,  the  following  beautiful  passage,  for  the  translation  of 
which  I  am  indebted  to  Coleridge,  Classic  Poets,  p.  286: 

"  'Origias,  farewell!  and  oh!  remember  me 
Hereafter,  when  some  stranger  from  the  sea, 
A  hapless  wanderer,  may  your  isle  explore, 
And  ask  you,  maid,  of  all  the  bards  you  boast, 
Who  sings  the  sweetest,  and  delights  you  most — 
Oh!  answer  all — '  A  blind  old  man,  and  poor — 
Sweetest  he  sings — and  dwells  on  Chios'  rocky  shore.'  " 

See  Thucyd.  iii.  104. 

|Longin.  de  Sublim.  ix.  §  26.  ^'OOsv  kv  Tfj,0^v66eia 
TtapsiKcxGai  rz?  av  HcxTaSvof^isvoo  rov  O/njpvo  rj  Xiao,  oS  Sixoc 
zr/i  d'Podftorr/Toi  Ttapa/xivEi  to  rjiyeOoi. 


INTRODUCTION.  17 

mass  of  ancient  authors,  whose  very  names*  it  would 
be  tedious  to  detail,  no  suspicion  of  the  personal  non- 
existence of  Homer  ever  arose.  So  far,  the  voice  of 
antiquity  seems  to  be  in  favor  of  our  early  ideas  on  the 
subject:  let  us  see  what  are  the  discoveries  to  which 
more  modern  investigations  lay  claim. 

At  the  end  of  the  seventeenth  century,  doubts  had 
begun  to  awaken  on  the  subject,  and  we  find  Bentley 
remarking  "that  Homer  wrote  a  sequel  of  songs  and 
rhapsodies,  to  be  sung  by  himself,  for  sn)all  comings 
and  good  cheer,  at  festivals  and  other  days  of  merri- 
ment. These  loose  songs  were  not  collected  together, 
in  the  form  of  an  epic  poem,  till  about  Peisistratus' 
time,  about  five  hundred  years  after."  f 

Two  French  writers — Iledelin  and  Perrault— avowed 
a  similar  skepticism  on  the  subject;  but  it  is  in  the 
"Scienza  Nnova"  of  Battista  Yico,  that  we  first  meet 
with  the  germ  of  tlie  tlieory,  subsequently  defended  by 
Wolf  with  so  much  learning  and  acuteness. 

Indeed,  it  is  with  the  Woltian  theory  that  we  have 
chiefly  to  deal,  and  with  the  following  bold  hypothesis, 
which  we  will  detail  in  the  words  of  Grote:J 

"Half  a  century  ago,  the  acute  and  valuable  Prolego- 
mena of  F.  A.  Wolf,  turning  to  account  the  Venetian 
Scholia,  which  had  then  been  recently  published,  first 
opened  philosophical  discussion  as  to  the  history  of  the 
Homeric  texc.  A  considerable  part  of  that  dissertation 
(though  by  no  means  the  whole)  is  employed  in  vindi- 
cating the  position,  previously  announced  by  Bentley, 
among  others,  that  the  separate  constituent  portions  of 
the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  had  not  been  cemented  together 
into  any  compact  body  and  unchangeable  order,  until 
the  days  of  Peisistratus,  in  the  sixth  century  before 
Ciirist.  As  a  step  toward  that  conclusion  Wolf  main- 
tained that  no  written  copies  of  either  poem  could  be 

*See  Tatian,  quoted  in  Fabric.  Bib).  Gr.  v.  II.  t.  ii.  Mr. 
Maciienzie  lias  j^iven  three  brief  but  elaborate  papers,  on  the  dif- 
ferent writi-rs  on  the  subject,  wliicli  deserve  to  be  consulted.  See 
Xote.s  and  (Queries,  vol.  v.  pp.  J>9,  171  and  221.  His  own  views 
are  moderate,  and  perhaps  as  satisfactory,  on  tlie  whole,  as  any  of 
tlie  hypf)theses  hitherto  j)ut  forth.  In  fact,  they  consist  In  an 
atleinjjt  to  blend  those  hypotheses  into  soiuethinf(  like  consistency, 
rather  than  in  advocaliuf^  any  individual  theory. 

{Letters  to  IMiilehnttli.      Lips. 
History  of  Ureece,  vol.  ii.  \>.  191,  sqq. 


18  INTRODUCTION. 

sliown  to  have  existed  during  the  earlier  times,  to 
which  their  composition  is  referred ;  and  that  without 
writing,  neither  the  perfect  symmetry  of  so  complicated 
a  work  could  have  been  originally  conceived  by  any 
poet,  nor,  if  realized  by  him,  transmitted  with  assur- 
ance to  posterity.  The  absence  of  easy  and  convenient 
writing,  such  as  must  be  indispensably  supposed  for 
long  manuscripts,  among  the  early  Greeks,  was  thus 
one  of  the  points  in  Wolf's  case  against  the  primitive 
integrity  of  the  Iliad  and  the  Odyssey.  By  Nitzsch, 
and  otlier  leading  opponents  of  Wolf,  the  connection  of 
the  one  with  the  otiier  seems  to  have  been  accepted  as 
he  originally  put  it;  and  it  has  been  considered  incum- 
bent on  those  who  defended  the  ancient  aggregate 
character  of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey,  to  maintain  that 
they  were  written  poems  from  the  beginning. 

"To  me  it  appears,  that  the  architectonic  functions 
ascribed  by  Wolf  to  Peisistratus  and  his  associates,  in 
reference  to  the  Homeric  poems,  are  nowise  admissible. 
But  much  would  undoubtedly  ioe  gained  toward  that 
view  of  the  question,  if  it  could  be  shown,  that,  in 
order  to  controvert  it,  we  were  driven  to  tlie  necessity 
of  admitting  long  written  poems,  in  the  ninth  century 
before  the  Christian  era.  Few  things,  in  my  opinion, 
can  be  more  improbable;  and  Mr.  Payne  Knight,  op- 
posed as  he  is  to  the  Wolfian  hypothesis,  admits  this 
no  less  than  Wolf  himself.  The  traces  of  Avriting  in 
Greece,  even  in  the  seventh  century  before  the  Chris- 
tian era,  are  exceedingly  trifling.  We  have  no  remaining 
inscription  earlier  than  the  fortieth  Olympiad,  and  the 
early  inscriptions  are  rude  and  unskillfully  executed; 
nor  can  we  even  assure  ourselves  whetlier  Archilochus, 
Simonides  of  Amorgus,  Kallinus,  Tyrtteus,  Xanthus, 
and  the  other  early  elegiac  and  lyric  poets,  committed 
their  compositions  to  writing,  or  at  what  time  the  prac- 
tice of  doing  so  became  familiar.  The  first  positive 
ground  which  autliorizes  us  to  presume  the  existence 
of  a  manuscript  of  Homer,  is  in  the  famous  ordinance 
of  Solon,  with  regard  to  the  rhapsodies  at  the  Panathe- 
na?a;  but  for  what  length  of  time  previously  manuscripts 
3iad  existed,  we  are  unable  to  say. 

"Those  who  maintain  the  Homeric  poems  to  have 
been  written  from  the  beginning,  rest  their  case,  not 
upon  positive  proofs,  nor  yet  upon  the  existing  habits 
of  society  with  regard  to  poetry — for  they  admit  gen- 


INTRODUCTION.  19 

erally  tliat  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  were  not  read,  liut 
recited  and  heard — hut  upon  the  supposed  necessity 
that  there  must  have  been  manuscripts  to  ensure  the 
preservation  of  the  poems — the  unassisted  memory  of 
reciters  being  neither  sufKcient  nor  trustworthy.  But 
here  we  only  escajje  a  smaller  difficulty  by  running  into 
a  greater;  for  the  existence  of  trained  bards,  gifted 
Avith  extraordinary  memory,*  is  far  less  astonishing 
than  that  of  long  manuscripts,  in  an  age  essentially  non- 
reading  and  non-writing,  and  when  even  suitable  instru- 

*  "  It  is,  indeed,  not  easy  to  calculate  the  lieiglit  to  -which  the 
memory  may  be  culti%-ated.  To  take  an  ordinary  case,  we  might 
refer  to  that  of  any  first-rate  actor,  who  must  be  prepared,  at  a 
very  short  warning,  to  '  rhapsodize,'  night  after  night,  parts 
which,  when  laid  together,  would  amount  to  an  immense  number 
of  lines.  But  all  this  is  nothing  to  two  instances  of  our  own  day. 
Visiting  at  Naples  a  gentleman  of  the  highest  intellecitual  attain- 
ments, and  who  held  a  distinguished  rank  among  the  men  of 
letters  in  the  last  century,  he  informed  us  that  the  day  before  he 
had  passed  much  time  in  examining  a  man,  not  highly  educated, 
who  had  learned  to  repeat  the  whole  Uierusalemme  of  Tasso;  not 
only  to  recite  it  consecuti%'ely,  but  also  to  repeat  those  stanzas  iu 
utter  defiance  of  the  sense,  either  forwards  or  backwards,  or  from 
the  eighth  line  to  the  first,  alternately  the  odd  and  even  lines;  in 
short,  whatever  the  passage  required,  the  memory,  which  seemed 
to  cling  to  the  words  umch  more  than  to  the  sense,  had  it  at  such 
perfect  command,  that  it  could  produce  it  under  any  form.  Our 
informant  went  on  to  state  that  this  singular  being  was  proceed- 
ing to  learn  the  Orlando  Furiosa  in  the  same  manner.  But  even 
this  instance  is  less  wonderful  than  one  as  to  which  we  may 
appeal  to  any  of  our  readers  that  lia])pened  some  twenty  years  ago 
to  visit  the  town  of  Stirling,  in  Scotland.  No  such  person  can 
have  forgotten  the  poor,  uneducated  man.  Blind  Jamie,  who  could 
actually  repeat,  after  a  few  minutes'  consideration,  any  verse  re- 
quired from  any  part  of  the  Bible — even  the  obscurest  and  most 
unimportant  enumeration  of  mere  proper  names  not  excepted. 
Wa  do  not  mention  these  facts  as  touching  the  more  difficult  part 
of  the  question  before  us;  but  facts  they  are;  and  if  we  find  so 
umch  ditliculty  in  calculating  the  extent  to  which  the  mere 
memory  may  be  cultivated,  are  we,  in  these  days  of  multifarious 
reading,  and  of  countless  distracting  affairs,  fair  judges  of  the 
perfection  to  which  the  invention  and  the  memory  coiiil)ined  may 
attain  in  a  simfder  age,  and  among  a  more  single-minded  peoi)leV" 
—  QiKirtrrli/  J.'cvu'ir,  I.  c,  p.  14',j,  s(|(]. 

lleereu  steers  between  tlie  two  opinions,  observing  that,  "  The 
Dschungariade  of  the  Calimicks  is  said  to  surpass  the  poems  of 
Homer  in  length,  as  much  as  it  stands  beneath  them  in  merit; 
and  yet,  it  exists  only  iu  the  memory  of  a  jx^jple  which  is  not 
acquainted  witli  writing.  But  the  songs  of  a  nation  are  ))robably 
tlie  last  tilings  wliich  art;  coMimitted  to  writing,  i»v  the  very 
reason  that  they  are  lemembered." — Ancient  Greece,  p.  100. 


20  INTRODUCTION. 

ments  and  materi;ils  for  the  process  are  not  obvious. 
Moreover,  tliere  is  a  strong  positive  reason  for  believing 
that  the  bard  was  under  no  necessity  of  refreshing  his 
memory  by  consulting  a  manuscript;  for  if  such  had 
been  tiie  fact,  blindness  would  have  been  a  disqualifica- 
tion for  the  profession, which  we  know  that  it  was  not, 
as  well  from  the  example  of  Demodokus,  in  the  Odyssey, 
as  from  that  of  the  blind  bard  of  Cliios,  in  the  Hymn 
to  the  Delian  Apollo,  whom  Thucydides,  as  well  as  the 
general  tenor  of  Grecian  legend,  identifies  with  Homer 
himself.  The  author  of  that  hymn,  be  he  who  he  may, 
could  never  have  described  a  blind  man  as  attaining 
the  utmost  perfection  in  his  art,  if  he  had  been  con- 
scious that  the  memory  of  the  bard  was  only  maintained 
by  constant  reference  to  the  manuscript  in  his  chest. 

The  loss  of  the  digamma,  that  crux  of  critics,  that 
quicksand  upon  which  even  the  acumen  of  Bentley  was 
shipwrecked,  seems  to  prove  beyond  a  doubt,  that  the 
pronunciation  of  the  Greek  language  had  undergone  a 
considerable  change.  Now  it  is  certainly  difficult  to 
suppose  that  the  Homeric  poems  could  have  suffered 
by  this  change,  had  written  copies  been  preserved.  If 
Chaucer's  poetry,  for  instance,  had  not  been  written, 
it  could  only  have  come  down  to  us  in  a  softened  form, 
more  like  the  effeminate  version  of  Dryden,  than  the 
rough,  quaint,  noble  original. 

"At  what  period,"  continues  Grote,  'Hhese  poems, 
or  indeed  any  other  Greek  poems,  first  began  to  be 
written,  must  be  matter  of  conjecture,  though  there  is 
ground  for  assurance  that  it  was  before  the  time  of 
Solon.  If,  in  the  absence  of  evidence,  we  may  venture 
upon  naming  any  more  determinate  period,  the  ques- 
tion at  once  suggests  itself.  What  were  the  purposes 
which,  in  that  state  of  society,  a  manuscript  at  its  first 
commencement  must  have  been  intended  to  answer? 
For  whom  was  a  written  Iliad  necessary?  Not  for  the 
rhapsodes;  for  with  tliem  it  was  not  only  planted  in 
the  memory,  but  also  interwoven  with  the  feelings,  and 
conceived  in  conjunction  with  all  those  flexions  and 
intonations  of  voice,  pauses,  and  otlier  oral  artifices 
which  were  required  for  emphatic  delivery,  and  which 
the  naked  manuscript  could  never  reproduce.  Not  for 
the  general  public — they  were  accustomed  to  receive  it 
with  its  rhapsodic  delivery,  and  with  its  accompani- 
ments of  a  solemn  and  crowded  festival.     The  only 


introduction:  21 

persons  for  whom   the  written  Iliad  would  be  suitable 
would   be  a  select  few;  studious  and  curious  men;  a 
class  of  readers  capable  of  analyzing  the  complicated 
emotions  which  they  had  experienced  as  hearers  in  the 
crowd,  and  who  would,  on  perusing  the  written  words, 
realize  in  their  imaginations  a  sensible  portion  of  the 
impression   communicated  by  the  reciter.     Incredible 
as  the  statement  may  seem  in  an  age  like  the  present, 
there  is  in  all   early  societies,  and   there  was  in   early 
Greece,  a  time  when  no  such  readiiig  class  existed.     If 
we  could  discover  at  what  time  such  a  class  first  began 
to  be  formed,  we  should  be  able  to  make  a  guess  at  the 
time  when  the  old  epic  poems  were  first  committed  to 
writing.     Now  the  period  which  may  with  the  greatest 
probability  be  fixed  upon  as  having  first  witnessed  the 
formation  even  of  the  narrowest  reading  class  in  Greece, 
is  the  middle  of  the  seventh  century  before  the  Chris- 
tian era  (b.c.  660  to  B.C.  630),  the  age  of  Terpander, 
Kallinus,   Archilochus,  Simon  ides  of  Amorgus,  etc.     I 
ground   this  supposition  on   the  change  then  operated 
in  the  character  and  tendencies  of  Grecian  poetry  and 
music — the  elegiac  and   the  iambic  measures   having 
been  introduced  as  rivals  to  the  primitive  hexameter, 
and  poetical  compositions  liaving  been  transferred  from 
the  epical  past  to  the  affairs  of  present  and  real  life. 
Such  a  change  was  important  at  a   time  when  poetry 
was  the  only  known  mode  of  publication  (to  use  a  mod- 
ern phrase  not  altogether  suitable,  yet  the  nearest  ap- 
proaching to  the  sense).     It  argued  a  new  way  of  look- 
ing at  the  old  epical  treasures  of  the  people  as  well  as  a 
thirst  for  new  poetical  effect;  and  the  men  who  stood 
forward   in  it,  may  well  be  considered   as  desirous  to 
study,  and  competent  to  criticize,  from  their  own  indi- 
vidual point  of  view,  the  written  words  of  the  Homeric 
rhapsodies,  just  as  we  are  told  that  Kallinus  both  no- 
ticeil  and   eulogized   the  Thebais  as  the  production  of 
Homer.     There  seems,  therefore,  ground  for  conjec- 
turing that  (for  the  use  of  this  newly-formed  and  im- 
portant,  but  very  narrow   class),   manuscripts  of   the 
Homeric   poems  an<l   other  old  epics — the  Thebai's  and 
tl)e  Cypria,  as  well  as  the  Iliad  and  the  Odyssey— l)ogan 
to  be  "compiled  toward  the  middle  of  the  seventh  cen- 
tury (\\j).  I);    and    the  opening  of    Kgvpt  to   Grecian 
conunorco,  which   took   place  aljout   the   same   ])eriod, 
would  furnish  increased  facilities  for  obtaining  the  retj- 


22  INTRODUCTION. 

uisite  papyrus  to  write  upon.  A  reading  class,  when 
once  formed,  would  doubtless  slowly  increase,  and  the 
number  of  manuscripts  along  with  it;  so  that  before 
tlie  time  of  Solon,  fifty  years  afterward,  both  readers 
and  manuscripts,  though  still  comparatively  few,  might 
have  attained  a  certain  recognized  authority,  and 
formed  a  tribunal  of  reference  against  the  carelessness 
of  individual  rhapsodes."  * 

But  even  Peisistratus  has  not  been  suffered  to  remain 
in  possession  of  the  credit,  and  we  cannot  help  feeling 
the  force  of  the  following  observations: 

"There  are  several  incidental  circumstances  which, 
in  our  opinion,  throw  some  suspicion  over  the  whole 
history  of  the  Peisistratid  compilation,  at  least  over 
the  theory,  that  the  Iliad  was  cast  into  its  present 
stately  and  harmonious  form  by  the  directions  of  the 
Athenian  ruler.  If  the  great  poets,  who  flourished  at 
the  bright  period  of  Grecian  song,  of  which,  alas!  we 
have  inherited  little  more  than  the  fame,  and  the  faint 
echo;  if  Stesichorus,  Anacreon,  and  Simonides  were 
employed  in  the  noble  task  of  compiling  the  Iliad  and 
Odyssey,  so  much  must  have  been  done  to  arrange,  to 
connect,  to  harmonize,  that  it  is  almost  incredible,  that 
stronger  marlis  of  Athenian  manufacture  should  not 
remain.  Whatever  occasional  anomalies  may  be  de- 
tected, anomalies  which  no  doubt  arise  out  of  our  own 
ignorance  of  the  language  of  the  Homeric  age;  however 
the  irregular  use  of  the  digamma  may  have  per23lexed 
our  Bentleys,  to  whom  the  name  of  Helen  is  said  to 
have  caused  as  much  disquiet  and  distress  as  the  fair 
one  herseif  among  the  heroes  of  her  age;  however  Mr. 
Knight  may  have  failed  in  reducing  the  Homeric  lan- 
guage to  its  primitive  form;  however,  finally,  the 
Attic  dialect  may  not  have  assumed  all  its  more  marked 
and  distinguishing  characteristics — still  it  is  difficult  to 
suppose  that  the  knguage,  particularly  in  the  joinings 
and  transitions,  and  connecting  parts,  should  not  more 
clearly  betray  the  incongruity  between  the  more  an- 
cient and  modern  forms  of  expression.  It  is  not  quite 
in  character  with  such  a  period  to  imitate  an  antique 
style,  in  order  to  piece  out  an  imperfect  poem  in  the 
character  of  the  original,  as  Sir  Walter  Scott  has  done 
in  his  continuation  of  Sir  Tristram. 

*  Vol.  ii.  p.  198,  sqq. 


INTRODUCTION.  23 

"If,  howe\er,  not  even  such  faint  and  indistinct 
traces  of  Athenian  compilation  are  discoverable  in  the 
hinguage  of  the  poems,  tlie  total  absence  of  Athenian 
national  feeling  is  perhaps  no  less  worthy  of  observa- 
tion. In  later,  and  it  may  fairly  be  suspected  in  earlier 
times,  the  Athenians  were  more  than  ordinarily  jealons 
of  the  fame  of  their  ancestors.  But,  amid  all  the  tra- 
ditions of  the  glories  of  early  Greece  embodied  in  the 
Iliad,  the  Athenians  play  a  most  subordinate  and  insig- 
nificant part.  Even  the  few  passages  which  relate  to 
their  ancestors,  Mr.  Knight  suspects  to  be  interpola- 
tions. It  is  possible,  indeed,  that  in  its  leading  out- 
line, the  Ilaid  may  be  true  to  historic  fact;  that  in  the 
great  maritime  expedition  of  western  Greece  against 
the  rival  and  half-kindred  empire  of  the  Laomedondi- 
adge,  the  chieftain  of  Thessalv,  from  his  valor  and  the 
number  of  his  forces,  may  have  been  the  most  impor- 
tajit  ally  of  the  Peloponnesian  sovereign:  the  preemi- 
nent value  of  the  ancient  poetry  on  the  Trojan  war 
may  thus  have  forced  the  national  feeling  of  the  Athe- 
nians to  yield  to  their  taste.  The  songs  which  spoke 
of  their  own  great  ancestor  were,  no  doubt,of  far  inferior 
sublimity  and  popularity,  or,  at  first  sight,  a  Theseid 
would  have  been  much  more  likely  to  have  emanated 
from  an  Athenian  synod  of  compilers  of  ancient  song, 
than  an  Achilleid  or  an  Olysseid.  Could  France  have 
given  birth  to  a  Tasso,  Tancred  would  have  been  the 
hero  of  the  Jerusalem.  If,  however,  the  Homeric  bal- 
lads, as  they  are  sometimes  called,  which  related  the 
wrath  of  Achilles,  with  all  its  direful  consequences, 
were  so  far  superior  to  the  rest  of  the  poetic  cycle,  as 
to  admit  no  rivalry — it  is  still  surprising,  that  through- 
out the  whole  poem  the  calUda  junctura  should  never 
betray  the  workmanship  of  an  Athenian  hand ;  and  that 
the  national  spirit  of  a  race,  who  have  at  a  later  period 
not  inaptly  been  compared  to  our  self-admiring  neigh- 
bors, the  French,  should  submit  with  lofty  self-denial 
to  tiie  almost  total  exclusion  of  their  own  ancestors — 
or,  at  least,  to  the  questiojiable  dignity  of  only  having 
produced  a  leader  tolerably  skilled  in  the  military  tac- 
tics of  his  age."  * 

To  retnnuto  the  AVolfian  theory.  "While  it  is  to  be 
confessed,  that  Wolf's  objections  to  the  primitive  in- 

•  Quarterly  Review,  I.  c.  p.  131,  sq. 


24  INTROD  UCTION: 

tegrity  of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  have  never  been  wholly 
got  over,  we  cannot  help  discovering  that  they  have 
failed  to  enlighten  ns  as  to  any  substantial  point,  and 
that  the  difliculties  with  which  the  whole  subject  is 
bdset,  are  rather  augmented  than  otherwise,  if  we  admit 
his  hypothesis.  Nor  is  Lachman's*  modification  of  his 
theory  any  better.  He  divides  the  first  twenty-two 
books  of  the  Iliad  into  sixteen  different  songs,  and 
treats  as  ridiculous  tlie  belief  that  their  amalgamation 
into  one  regular  poem  belongs  to  a  period  earlier  than 
the  age  of  Peisistratus.  This,  as  Grote  observes,  "ex- 
plains the  gaps  and  contradictions  in  the  narrative,  but 
it  explains  nothing  else."  Moreover,  we  find  no  con- 
tradictions warranting  this  belief,  and  the  so-called 
sixteen  poets  concur  in  getting  rid  of  the  following 
leading  men  in  the  first  battle  after  the  secession  of 
Achilles:  Elphenor,  chief  of  the  Euboeans;  Tlepolemus, 
of  the  Khodians;  Pandarus  of  the  Lycians;  Odius,  of 
the  Halizonians;  Pirous  and  Acamas,  of  the  Thracians. 
None  of  these  heroes  again  make  their  appearance; 
and  we  can  but  agree  with  Colonel  Mure,  that  "it 
seems  strange  that  any  number  of  independent  poets 
should  have  so  harmoniously  dispensed  with  the  serv- 
ices of  all  six  in  the  sequel."  The  discrepancy,  by 
which  Pylsemenes,  who  is  represented  as  dead  in  the 
fifth  book,  weeps  at  his  son's  funeral  in  the  thirteenth, 
can  only  be  regarded  as  the  result  of  an  interpolation. 
Grote,  although  not  very  distinct  in  stating  his  own 
opinions  on  the  subject,  has  done  much  to  clearly  show 
the  incongruity  of  the  Wolfian  theory,  and  of  Lach- 
mann's  modifications  with  the  character  of  Peisistratus. 
But  he  has  also  shown,  and  we  think  with  equal  suc- 
cess, that  the  two  questions  relative  to  the  primitive 
nnity  of  these  poems,  or,  supposing  that  impossible, 
the  unison  of  these  parts  by  Peisistratus,  and  not  before 
his  time,  are  essentially  distinct.  In  short,  "a  man 
may  believe  the  Iliad  to  have  been  put  together  out  of 
pre-existing  songs,  without  recognizing  the  age  of  Peis- 
istratus as  the  period  of  its  first  compilation."  The 
friends  or  literary  employees  of  Peisistratus  must  have 
found  an  Iliad  that  was  already  ancient,  and  the  silence 
of  the  Alexandrine  critics  respecting  the  Peisistratic 

*  Betracbtungen    iiber   die    Ilias.     Berol.     1841.       See    Grote, 
p.  204.     Notes  and  Queries,  vol.  v.  p.  221. 


INTRODUCTION.  35 

"recension, "  goes  far  to  prove  that,  among  the  numer- 
ous manuscripts  they  examined,  tliis  was  either  want- 
ing, or  thought  unworthy  of  attention. 

"Moreover,"  he  continues,  "the  whole  tenor  of  the 
poems  themselves  confirms  what  is  here  remarked. 
There  is  nothing,  either  in  the  Iliad  or  Od3'ssey,  which 
savors  of  modernism,  applying  that  term  to  the  age  of 
Peisistratus — ■nothing  which  brings  to  our  view  the 
alterations  brought  about  bv  two  centuries,  in  the 
Greek  language,  the  coined  money,  the  habits  of  writing 
and  readingjthe  despotisms  and  republican  governments, 
the  close  military  array,  the  improved  construction 
of  ships,  the  Amphiktyonic  convocations,  the  mutual 
frequentation  of  religious  festivals,  the  Oriental  and 
Egyptian  veins  of  religion,  etc.,  familiar  to  the  latter 
epoch.  These  alterations  Onomakritus,  and  the  other 
literary  friends  of  Peisistratus,  could  hardly  have  failed 
to  notice,  even  without  design,  had  they  then,  for  the 
first  time,  undertaken  the  task  of  piecing  together 
many  self-existent  epics  into  one  large  aggregate. 
Everything  in  the  two  great  Homeric  poems,  both  in 
substance  and  in  language,  belongs  to  an  age  two  or 
three  centuries  earlier  than  Peisistratus.  Indeed,  even 
the  interpolations  (or  those  passages  which  on  the  best 
grounds  are  pronounced  to  be  such)  betray  no  trace  of 
the  sixth  century  before  Christ,  and  may  well  have 
been  heard  by  Archilochus  and  Kallinus — in  some  cases 
even  by  Arktinus  and  Hesiod — as  genuine  Homeric 
matter.*  As  far  as  the  evidences  oil  the  case,  as  well 
internal  as  external,  enable  us  to  judge,  we  seem  war- 
ranted in  believing  that  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  were 
recited  substantially  as  they  now  stand  (always  allow- 
ing for  partial  divergences  of  text  and  interpolations, 
in  770  B.  c,  our  first  trustworthy  mark  of  Grecian 
time;  and  this  ancient  date,  let  it  be  added,  as  it  is  the 
best-authenticated  fact,  so  it  is  also  the  most  important 
attribute  of  the  Homeric  poems,  considered  in  refer- 
ence to  Grecian  history;  for  they  thus  afford  us  an  in- 
sight into  the  anti-historical  character  of  the  Greeks, 
enabling  us  to  trace  the  subsefjuent  forward  march  of 
the  nation,  and  to  seize  instructive  contrasts  between 
their  former  and  their  later  condition."  f 

*  Prolegg.  pp.  xxxii.,  xxxvi.,  etc. 
f  Vol.  ii.  p.  214,  sqq. 


26  INTRODUCTION. 

On  the  wliole,  I  am  iucliiied  to  believe  that  the  labors 
of  PeidistratuB  were  wholly  of  an  editorial  character, 
although,  I  must  confess,  that  I  can  lay  down  nothing 
respecting  the  extent  of  his  labors.  At  the  same  time, 
so  far  from  believing  that  the  composition  or  primary 
arrangement  of  these  poems,  in  their  present  form, 
was  the  work  of  Peisistratus,  I  am  rather  persuaded  that 
the  fine  taste  and  elegant  mind  of  that  Athenian*  would 
lead  him  to  preserve  an  ancient  and  traditional  order 
of  the  poems,  rather  than  to  patch  and  reconstruct 
them  according  to  a  fanciful  hypothesis.  I  will  not 
repeat  the  many  discussions  respecting  whether  the 
poems  were  written  or  not,  or  whether  the  art  of  writ- 
ing was  known  in  the  time  of  their  reputed  author. 
SuflBce  it  to  say,  that  the  more  we  read,  the  less  satis- 
fied we  are  upon  either  subject. 

I  cannot,  however,  help  thinking,  that  the  story 
which  attributes  the  preservation  of  these  poems  to 
Lycurgus,  is  little  else  than  a  version  of  the  same  story 
as  that  of  Peisistratus,  while  its  historical  probability 
must  be  measured  by  that  of  many  others  relating  to 
the  Spartan  Confucius. 

I  will  conclude  this  sketch  of  the  Homeric  theories, 
with  an  attempt,  made  by  an  ingenious  friend,  to  unite 
them  into  something  like  consistency.     It  is  as  follows: 

"No  doubt  the  common  soldiers  of  that  age  had,  like 
the  common  sailors  of  some  fifty  years  ago,  some  one 
qualified  to  'discourse  in  excellent  music'  among  them. 
Many  of  these,  like  those  of  the  negroes  in  the  United 
States,  were  extemporaneous,  and  allusive  to  events 
passing  around  them.  But  what  was  passing  around 
them?  The  grand  events  of  a  spirit-stirring  war;  oc- 
currences likely  to  impress  themselves,  as  the  mystical 
legends  of  former  times  had  done,  njDon  their  memory; 
besides  which,  a  retentive  memory  was  deemed  a  virtue 
of  the  first  water,  and  was  cultivated  accordingly  in 
those  ancient  times.  Ballads  at  first,  and  down  to  the 
beginning  of  the  war  with  Troy,  were  merely  recita- 
tions, with  an  intonation.     Then  followed  a  species  of 


*"Who,"«ays  Cicero,  de  Orat.  iii.  84,  "was  more  learned  in 
that  age,  or  whose  eloquence  is  reported  to  have  been  more  per- 
fected by  literature  than  that  of  Peisistratus,  who  is  said  first  to 
have  disposed  the  boolcs  of  Homer  in  the  order  in  which  we  now 
have  them?"     Compare  Wolf's  Prolegomena  33.  § 


INTRODUCTION.  ^^ 

recitative,   probably  with   an   intoned    burden.     Tune 
next  followed,  as  it  aided  the  memory  considerably. 

''It  was  at  this  period,  about  four  hundred  years 
after  the  war,  that  a  poet  flourished  of  the  name  of 
Melesigenes,  or  JMoeonides,  but  most  probably  the  for- 
mer. He  saw  that  these  ballads  might  be  made  of  great 
utility  to  his  purpose  of  writing  a  poem  on  the  social 
position  of  Hellas,  and,  as  a  collection,  he  published 
these  lays,  connecting  them  by  a  tale  of  his  own.  This 
poem  now  exists,  under  the  title  of  the  'Odyssea.' 
The  author,  however,  did  not  affix  his  own  name  to 
the  poem,  which,  in  fact,  was,  great  part  of  it,  remod- 
eled from  the  archaic  dialect  of  Crete,  in  which  tongue 
the  ballads  Avere  found  by  him.  He  therefore  called  it 
the  poem  of  Homeros,  or  the  Collector;  but  this  is 
rather  a  proof  of  his  modesty  and  talent,  than  of  his 
mere  drudging  arrangement  of  other  people's  ideas; 
for,  as  Grote  has  finely  observed,  arguing  for  the  unity 
of  authorship,  *a  great  poet  might  have  re-cast  pre- 
existing separate  songs  into  one  comjii'ehensible  whole; 
but  no  mere  arrangers  or  compilers  would  be  competent 
to  do  so.' 

''\Vhile  employed  on  the  wild  legend  of  Odysseus, 
he  met  with  a  ballad,  recording  the  quarrel  of  Achilles 
and  Agamemnon.  His  noble  mind  seized  the  hint  that 
there  presented  itself,  and  the  Achilleis*  grew  under 
his  hand.  Unity  of  design,  however,  caused  him  to 
publish  the  poem  under  the  same  pseudonym  as  his 
former  work:  and  the  disjointed  lays  of  the  ancient 
bards  were  joined  together,  like  those  relating  to  the 
Cid,  into  a  chronicle  history,  named  the  Hiad.  Mele- 
sigenes knew  that  the  poem  was  destined  to  be  a  lasting 
one,  and  so  it  lias  proved;  but,  first,  the  poems  were 
destined  to  undergo  many  vicissitudes  and  corruptions, 
by  the  people  who  took  to  singing  them  in  the  streets, 
assemblies,  and  agoras.  However,  Solon  first,  and 
then  Peisistratus,  and  afterward  Aristoteles  and  others, 
revised  the  poems,  and  restored  the  works  of  Melesi- 
genes Homeros  to  their  original  integrity  in  a  great 
measure."  \ 

*  "  Tlie  first  book,  topetber  witb  tbe  eigbtb,  and  tbe  books 
from  tbe  elevciitb  to  tlie  twenty-second  inclusive,  seems  to  form 
tbe  primary  <>r;;anization  of  tbe  poetry  tbeu  properly  an  Acbillei's." 
— Orote,  vol.  ii.  p.  2o5. 

\  K.  i{.  11.  Mackenzie,  Notes  and  Queries,  p.  222,  sqq. 


28  INTRODUCTION. 

Having  thus  given  some  general  notion  of  the  strange 
theories  which  have  developed  themselves  respecting 
this  most  interesting  subject,  I  must  still  express  my 
conviction  as  to  the  unity  of  the  authorship  of  the  Ho- 
meric poems.  To  deny  that  many  corruptions  and  in- 
terpolations disfigure  them,  and  that  the  intrusive  hand 
of  the  poetasters  may  here  and  there  have  inflicted  a 
wound  more  serious  than  the  negligence  of  the  copyist, 
would  he  an  absurd  and  captious  assumption;  but  it  is 
to  a  higher  criticism  that  we  must  appeal,  if  we  would 
either  understand  or  enjoy  these  poems.  In  maintain- 
ing the  authenticity  and  personality  of  their  one  author, 
be  he  Homer  or  Mdesigenes,  quocwique  nomine  vocari 
eum  jus  fasque  sit,  I  feel  conscious  that,  while  the 
whole  weight  of  historical  evidence  is  against  the  hy- 
pothesis which  would  assign  these  great  works  to  a  plu- 
rality of  authors,  the  most  powerful  internal  evidence, 
and  that  which  springs  from  the  deepest  and  most  im- 
mediate impulse  of  the  soul,  also  speaks  eloquently  to 
the  contrary. 

The  minutiae  of  verbal  criticism  I  am  far  from  seek- 
ing to  despise.  Indeed,  considering  the  character  of 
some  of  my  own  books,  such  an  attempt  would  be  gross 
inconsistency.  But,  while  I  appreciate  its  importance 
in  a  philological  view,  I  am  inclined  to  set  little  store 
on  its  esthetic  value,  especially  in  poetry.  Three  parts 
of  tlie  emendations  made  upon  poets  are  mere  altera- 
tions, some  of  which,  had  they  been  suggested  to  the 
author  by  his  Mfficenas  or  Africanus,  he  would  probably 
have  adopted.  IMoreover,  those  Avho  are  most  exact  in 
laying  down  rules  of  verbal  criticism  and  interpretation, 
are  often  least  competent  to  carry  out  their  own  pre- 
cepts. Grammarians  are  not  poets  by  profession,  but 
may  be  so  ^;er  accidens.  .  I  do  not  at  this  moment  re- 
member two  emendations  on  Homer,  calculated  to  sub- 
stantially improve  the  poetry  of  a  passage,  although  a 
mass  of  remarks,  from  Herodotus  down  to  Loewe,  have 
given  us  the  history  of  a  thousand  minute  points,  with- 
out which  our  Greek  knowledge  would  be  gloomy  and 
jejune. 

But  it  is  not  on  words  only  that  grammarians,  mere 
grammarians, will  exercise  their  elaborate  and  ofteii  tire- 
some ingenuity.  Binding  down  an  heroic  or  dramatic 
poet  to  the  block  upon  whic'h  they  have  previously  dis- 
sected his  words  and  sentences,  they  proceed  to  use  the 


INTRODUCTION.  29 

axe  and  the  pruning  knife  by  wholesale;  and  incon- 
sistent in  everything  but  their  wish  to  make  out  a  case 
of  unlawful  ateliution,  they  cut  out  book  after  book, 
passage  after  passage,  till  the  author  is  reduced  to  a 
collection  of  fragments,  or  till  those,  who  fancied  they 
possessed  the  works  of  some  great  man,  find  that  they 
have  been  put  oil  with  a  vile  counterfeit  got  up  at  sec- 
ond hand.  If  we  compare  the  theories  of  Knight, 
Wolf,  Lachmaun,  and  others,  we  shall  feel  better  satis- 
fied of  the  utter  uncertainty  of  criticism  than  of  the 
apocryphal  position  of  Homer.  One  rejects  what  an- 
other considers  the  turning-point  of  his  theory.  One 
cuts  a  supposed  knot  by  expunging  what  another  would 
explain  by  omitting  something  else. 

Nor  is  this  morbid  species  of  sagacity  by  any  means 
to  be  looked  upon  as  a  literary  novelty.  Justus  Lip- 
sius,  a  scholar  of  no  ordinary  skill,  seems  to  revel  in 
the  imaginary  discovery,  that  the  tragedies  attributed 
to  Seneca  are  hy  four  different  authors.*  Now,  I  will 
venture  to  assert,  that  these  tragedies  are  so  uniform, 
not  only  in  tlieir  borrowed  phraseology — a  phraseology 
with  which  writers  like  Boethius  and  Saxo  Grammati- 
cus  were  more  charmed  than  ourselves — in  their  free- 
dom from  real  poetry,  and  last,  but  not  least,  in  an 
ultra- refiued  and  consistent  abandonment  of  good  taste, 
that  few  writers  of  the  present  day  would  question  the 
capabilities  of  the  same  gentleman,  be  he  Seneca  or 
not,  to  produce  not  only  these,  but  a  great  many  more 
equally  bad.  With  equal  sagacity.  Father  Hardouin 
astonished  the  world  with  the  startliug  announcement 
that  the  .Eueid  of  Virgil,  and  the  satires  of  Horace, 
were  literary  deceptions.  Now,  without  wishing  to  say 
one  word  of  disrespect  against  the  industry  and  learn- 
injT — nay,  the  refined  acuteness — which  scholars,  like 
Wolf,  have  bestowed  upon  this  subject,  I  must  express 
my  fears,  that  many  of  our  modern  Homeric  theories 
will  become  matter  for  the  surprise  and  entertainment, 
rather  than  the  instruction,  of  posterity.  Nor  can  I 
help  thinking,  that  the  literary  history  of  more  recent 
times  will  account  for  many  jjoiuts  of  dilhculty  in  the 
transmission  of  the  Iliad  and  Odyssey  to  a  period  so 
remote  from  that  of  their  first  creation. 


*See  his  Eitistle  to  Raphelingius,  iu  Scbroeder'a  edition,  to.  4, 
DelpLis,  172b. 


30  INTRODUCTION. 

I  have  already  expressed  my  belief  that  the  labors  of 
Peisistratus  were  of  a  purely  editorial  character;  and 
there  seems  no  more  reason  why  corrupt  and  imperfect 
editions  of  Homer  may  not  have  been  abroad  in  his 
day,  than  that  the  poems  of  Valerius  Flaccus  and  Ti- 
bullus  should  have  given  so  much  trouble  to  Poggio, 
Scaliger,  and  others.  But,  after  all,  the  main  fault  in 
all  the  Homeric  theories  is,  that  they  demand  too  great 
a  sacrifice  of  those  feelings  to  which  poetry  most  power- 
fully appeals,  and  which  are  its  most  fitting  judges. 
The"  ingenuity  which  has  sought  to  rob  us  of  tlie  name 
and  existence  of  Homer,  does  too  much  violence  to 
that  inward  emotion,  which  makes  our  whole  soul  yearn 
with  love  and  admiration  for  the  blind  bard  of  Chios. 
To  believe  the  author  of  the  Iliad  a  mere  compiler,  is 
to  degrade  the  powers  of  human  invention;  to  elevate 
analytical  judgment  at  the  expense  of  the  most  enno- 
bling impulses  of  the  soul;  and  to  forget  the  ocean  in 
the  contemplation  of  a  polypus.  There  is  a  catholic- 
ity, so  to  speak,  in  the  very  name  of  Homer.  Our 
faith  in  the  author  of  the  Hiad  may  be  a  mistaken  one, 
but  as  yet  nobody  has  taught  us  a  better. 

While,  however,  I  look  upon  the  belief  in  Homer  as 
one  that  has  nature  herself  for  its  mainspring;  while  I 
can  join  witli  old  Ennius  in  believing  in  Homer  as  the 
ghost,  who,  like  some  patron  saint,  hovers  round  the 
bed  of  the  poet,  and  even  bestows  rare  gifts  from  that 
wealth  of  imagination  which  a  host  of  imitators  could 
not  exhaust — still  I  am  far  from  wishing  to  deny  that 
the  author  of  these  great  poems  found  a  rich  fund  of 
tradition,  a  well-stocked  mythical  storehouse  from 
whence  he  might  derive  both  subject  and  embellish- 
ment. But  it  is  one  thing  to  use  existing  romances  in 
the  embellishment  of  a  poem,  another  to  patch  up  the 
poem  itself  from  such  materials.  What  consistency  of 
style  and  execution  can  be  hoped  for  from  such  an  at- 
tempt? or,  rather,  what  bad  taste  and  tedium  will  not 
be  the  infallible  result? 

A  blending  of  popular  legends,  and  a  free  use  of  the 
songs  of  other  bards,  are  features  perfectly  consistent 
with  poetical  originality.  In  fact,  the  most  original 
writer  is  still  drawing  upon  outward  impressions — nay, 
even  his  own  thoughts  are  a  kind  of  secondary  agents 
which  support  and  feed  tiie  impulses  of  imagination. 
But  unless  there  be  some  grand  pervading  principle — 


INTRODVCTION.  31 

some  invisible,  yet  most  distinctly  stamped  archetypiis 
of  the  great  whole,  a  poem  like  the  Iliad  can  never 
come  to  the  birth.  Traditions  the  most  picturesque, 
episodes  the  most  pathetic,  local  associations  teeming 
with  the  thoughts  of  gods  and  great  men,  may  crowd 
in  one  mighty  vision,  or  reveal  themelves  in  more  sub- 
stantial forms  to  the  mind  of  the  poet;  but,  except  the 
power  to  create  a  grand  whole,  to  which  these  shall  be 
but  as  details  and  embellishments,  be  present,  we  shall 
have  nought  but  a  scrap-book,  a  parterre  filled  with 
flowers  and  weeds  strangling  each  other  in  their  wild 
redundancy:  we  shall  have  a  cento  of  rags  and  tatters, 
which  will  require  little  acuteness  to  detect. 

Sensible  as  1  am  of  the  difficulty  of  disproving  a  neg- 
ative, and  aware  as  I  must  be  of  the  weighty  grounds 
there  are  for  opposing  my  belief,  it  still  seems  to  me 
that  the  Homeric  question  is  one  that  is  reserved  for  a 
higher  criticism  than  it  has  often  obtained.  We  are 
not  by  nature  intended  to  know  all  things;  still  less,  to 
compass  the  powers  by  which  the  greatest  blessings  of 
life  have  been  placed  at  our  disposal.  Were  faith  no 
virtue,  then  Ave  might  indeed  wonder  why  God  willed 
our  ignorance  on  any  matter.  But  Ave  are  too  well 
taught  the  contrary  lesson;  and  it  seems  as  though  our 
faith  should  be  especially  tried  touching  the  men  and 
the  events  which  have  wrought  most  influence  upon 
the  condition  of  humanity.  And  there  is  a  kind  of 
sacredness  attached  to  the  memory  of  the  great  and  the 
good,  which  seems  to  bid  us  repulse  the  skepticism 
which  would  allegorize  their  existence  into  a  pleasing 
apologue,  and  measure  the  giants  of  intellect  by  an 
homeopathic  dynameter. 

Long  and  habitual  reading  of  Homer  appears  to  fa- 
miliarize our  thoughts  even  to  his  incongruities;  or 
rather,  if  we  read  in  a  right  spirit  and  with  a  heartfelt 
appreciation,  we  are  too  much  dazzled,  too  deeply 
Avrapped  in  admiration  of  the  Avhole,  to  dwell  upon  the 
minute  spots  which  mere  analysis  can  discover.  In 
reading  an  heroic  poem  we  must  transform  ourselves 
into  heroes  of  the  time  being,  we  in  imagination  must 
fight  over  tlie  same  battles,  woo  the  same  loves,  burn 
Avith  tiio  same  sense  of  injury,  as  an  Achilles  or  a  Hec- 
tor. And  if  we  can  but  attain  this  degree  of  enthusiasm 
(and  less  enthusiasm  will  scarcely  sufticc  for  the  read- 
ing of  Homer),  Ave  shall  feel  that  the  poems  of  Homer 


S'Z  INTRODUCTION. 

are  uot  only  the  work  of  one  writer,  but  of  the  greatest 
writer  that  ever  touched  the  hearts  of  men  by  the 
power  of  song. 

And  it  was  this  supposed  unity  of  authorship  which 
gave  these  poems  their  powerful  influence  over  the 
minds  of  the  men  of  old.  Ileeren,  who  is  evidently 
little  disposed  in  favor  of  modern  theories,  finally 
observes: 

"It  was  Homer  who  formed  the  character  of  the 
Greek  nation.  No  poet  has  ever,  as  a  poet,  exercised 
a  similar  influence  over  his  countrymen.  Prophets, 
lawgivers,  and  sages  have  formed  the  character  of  other 
nations;  it  was  reserved  to  a  poet  to  form  that  of  the 
Greeks.  This  is  a  feature  in  their  character  which  was 
not  wholly  erased  even  in  the  period  of  their  degen- 
eracy. When  lawgivers  and  sages  appeared  in  Greece, 
the  work  of  the  poet  had  already  been  accomplished; 
and  they  paid  homage  to  his  superior  genius.  He  held 
up  before  his  nation  the  mirror,  in  which  they  were  to 
behold  the  world  of  gods  and  heroes  no  less  than  of 
feeble  mortals,  and  to  behold  them  reflected  with  purity 
and  truth.  His  poems  are  founded  on  the  first  feeling 
of  human  nature;  on  the  love  of  children,  wife,  and 
country;  on  that  passion  which  outweighs  all  others, 
the  love  of  glory.  His  songs  were  poured  forth  from  a 
breast  which  sympathized  with  all  the  feelings  of  man; 
and  therefore  they  enter,  and  will  continue  to  enter, 
every  breast  which  cherishes  the  same  sympathies.  If 
it  is  granted  to  his  immortal  spirit,  from  another  heaven 
than  any  of  which  he  dreamed  on  earth,  to  look  down 
on  his  race,  to  see  the  nations  from  the  fields  of  Asia 
to  the  forests  of  Hercynia,  performing  pilgrimages  to 
the  fountain  which  his  magic  wand  caused  to  flow;  if  it 
is  permitted  to  him  to  view  the  vast  assemblage  of 
grand,  of  elevated,  of  glorious  productions,  which  had 
been  called  into  being  by  means  of  his  songs;  wherever 
his  immortal  spirit  may  reside,  this  alone  would  suffice 
to  complete  his  happiness."  * 

Can  we  contemplate  that  ancient  monument,  on 
which  the  '^Apotheosis  of  Homer"  f  is  depictured,  and 


*  Ancient  Greece,  p.  101. 

f  The  best  description  of  this  monument  will  be  found  in  Vaux's 
"  Antiquities  of  tlie  British  Museum,"  p.  198.  sq.  The  monument 
itself  (Towneley  Sculptures,  No.  123)  is  well  known. 


INTRODUCTION.  33 

not  feel  how  much  of  pleasing  association,  how  much 
t-hat  appeals  most  forcibly  and  most  distinctly  to  ouv 
minds,  is  lost  by  the  admittance  of  any  theory  but  our 
old  tradition?  The  more  we  read,  and  the  more  we 
thinli — think  as  becomes  the  readers  of  Homer — the 
more  rooted  becomes  the  conviction  that  the  Father  of 
Poetrv  gave  ns  this  rich  inheritance,  whole  and  entire. 
Whatever  Avere  the  means  of  its  preservation,  let  ns 
rather  be  thankful  for  the  treasury  of  taste  and  elo- 
quence thus  laid  open  to  our  use,  than  seek  to  make  it 
a  mere  center  around  which  to  drive  a  series  of  theories, 
whose  wildness  is  only  equaled  by  their  inconsistency 
with  each  other. 

As  the  hymns,  and  some  other  poems  usually  ascribed 
to  Homer,  are  not  included  in  Pope's  translation,  I  will 
content  myself  with  a  brief  account  of  the  Battle  of 
the  Frogs  and  Mice,  from  the  pen  of  a  writer  who  has 
done  it  full  justice:  * 

"This  poem,"  says  Coleridge,  "is  a  short  mock-heroic 
of  ancient  date.  The  text  varies  in  dilferent  editions, 
and  is  obviously  disturbed  and  corrupt  to  a  great  de- 
gree; it  is  commonly  said  to  have  been  a  juvenile  essay 
of  Homer's  genius;  others  have  attributed  it  to  the 
same  Pigrees,  mentioned  above,  and  whose  reputation 
for  humor  seems  to  have  invited  the  appropriation  of 
any  piece  of  ancient  wit,  the  author  of  which  was  un- 
certain; so  little  did  the  Greeks,  before  the  age  of  the 
Ptolemies,  know  or  care  about  that  department  of  crit- 
icism employed  in  determining  tiie  genuineness  of  an- 
cient writings.  As  to  this  little  poem  being  a  youth- 
ful prolusion  of  Homer,  it  seems  sufficient  to  say  that 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end  it  is  a  plain  and  palpable 
parody,  not  only  of  the  general  spirit,  but  of  the  nu- 
merous passages  of  the  Iliad  itself;  and  even,  if  no 
such  intention  to  parody  were  discernible  in  it,  the  ob- 
jection would  still  remain,  that  to  suppose  a  work  of 
mere  burlesque  to  be  the  primary  etfort  of  poetry  in  a 
simple  ago,  seems  to  reverse  that  order  in  the  develop- 
ment of  national  taste,  which  the  history  of  every  other 
people  in  Europe,  and  of  many  in  Asia,  has  almost  ascer- 
tained to  bo  a  law  of  the  human  mind;  it  is  in  a  state 
of  society  much  more  retined  and  permanent  than  tliat 
described  in  the  Iliad,  that  any  popularity  would  attend 

t  Coleridge,  Classic  Poets,  p.  276. 


34  INTRODUCTION. 

such  a  ridicule  of  war  and  the  gods  as  is  contained  in 
this  poem;  and  the  fact  of  there  having  existed  three 
other  poems  of  the  s;ime  kind  attributed,  for  auglit  we 
can  see,  with  as  much  reason  to  Homer,  is  a  strong  in- 
ducement to  believe  that  none  of  them  were  of  the 
Homeric  age.  Knight  infers  from  the  usage  of  the 
word  Seyroi,  "writing  tablet,"  instead  of  SiSOepa, 
"skin,"  which,  according  to  Herod.  5,  58,  was  the 
material  employed  by  the  Asiatic  Greeks  for  that  pur- 
pose, that  this  poem  was  another  offspring  of  Attic 
ingenuity;  and  generally  that  the  familiar  mention  of 
the  cock  (v.  191)  is  a  strong  argument  against  so  an- 
cient a  date  for  its  composition." 

Having  tluis  given  a  brief  account  of  the  poems  com- 
prised in  Pope's  design,  I  will  now  proceed  to  make  a 
few  remarks  on  his  translation,  and  on  my  own  pur- 
pose in  the  present  edition. 

Pope  was  not  a  Grrecian.  His  whole  education  had 
been  irregular,  and  his  earliest  acquaintance  with  the 
poet  was  through  the  version  of  Ogilby.  It  is  not  too 
much  to  say  that  his  whole  work  bears  the  impress  of 
a  disposition  to  be  satisfied  with  the  general  sense, 
rather  than  to  dive  deeply  into  tiie  minute  and  delicate 
features  of  language.  Hence  his  whole  work  is  to  be 
looked  upon  rather  as  an  elegant  paraphrase  than  a 
translation.  There  are,  to  be  sure,  certain  conven- 
tional anecdotes,  which  prove  that  Pope  consulted 
various  friends,  whose  classical  attainments  were 
sounder  than  his  own,  during  the  undertaking;  hut  it 
is  probable  thnt  these  examinations  were  the  result 
rather  of  the  contradictory  versions  already  existing, 
than  of  a  desire  to  make  a  perfect  transcript  of  the 
original.  And  in  those  days,  what  is  called  literal 
translation  was  less  cultivated  than  at  present.  If 
something  like  the  general  sense  could  be  decorated 
with  the  easy  gracefulness  of  a  practised  poet;  if  the 
charms  of  metrical  cadence  and  a  pleasing  fluency 
could  be  made  consistent  with  a  fair  interpretation  of 
the  poet's  meaning,  his  words  were  less  jealously  sought 
for,  and  those  who  could  read  so  good  a  poem  as  Pope's 
Iliad  had  fair  reason  to  be  satisfied. 

It  would  be  absurd,  therefore,  to  test  Pope's  transla- 
tion by  our  own  advancing  knowledge  of  the  original 
text.  We  must  be  content  to  look  at  it  as  a  most  de- 
lightful work  in  itself — a  work  wliich  is  as  much  a  part 


INTROD  rCl  ION  35 

of  English  literature  as  Puiner  himself  is  of  Greek. 
We  must  not  be  torn  from  our  kindly  associations  with 
the  old  Iliad,  that  once  was  onr  oiost  ch-^rished  'com- 
panion, or  our  most  looked-fo?"  prize,  merely  oecanse 
Buttmann,  Loewe,  and  Liddell  have  made  ns  so  much 
more  accurate  as  to  djuixvTceAAov  being  an  adjective, 
and  not  a  substantive.  Far  be  it  from  us  to  defend  the 
faults  of  Pope,  especially  when  we  think  of  Chapman's 
fine,  bold,  rough  old  English;  far  be  it  from  us  to  hold 
up  his  translation  as  what  a  translation  of  Homer  might 
be.  But  we  can  still  dismiss  Pope's  Iliad  to  the  hands 
of  our  readers,  with  the  consciousness  that  they  must 
have  read  a  very  great  number  of  books  before  they 
have  read  its  fellow. 

As  to  the  Notes  accompanying  the  present  volume, 
they  are  drawn  up  without  pretension,  and  mainly  with 
the  view  of  helping  the  general  reader.  Having  some 
little  time  since  translated  all  the  works  of  Homer  for 
another  publisher,  I  might  have  brought  a  large  amount 
of  accumulated  matter,  sometimes  of  a  critical  charac- 
ter, to  bear  npon  the  text.  But  Pope's  version  was  no 
field  for  such  a  display;  and  my  purpose  was  to  touch 
briefly  on  antiquarian  or  mythological  allusions,  to  no- 
tice ocasionally  some  departures  from  the  original,  and 
to  give  a  few  parallel  passages  from  our  English  Homer, 
Milton.  In  the  latter  task  I  cannot  pretend  to  novelty, 
but  I  trust  that  my  other  annotations,  while  utterly 
disclaiming  high  scholastic  views,  will  be  found  to  con- 
vey as  much  as  is  wanted;  at  least,  as  far  as  the  neces- 
sary limits  of  these  volumes  could  be  expected  to  admit. 
To  write  a  commentary  on  Homer  is  not  my  present 
aim;  but  if  I  have  made  Pope's  translation  a  little 
more  entertaining  and  instructive  to  a  mass  of  miscel- 
laneous readers,  I  shall  consider  my  wishes  satisfactorily 
accomplished. 

Theodore  Alois  Buckley. 

Christ  Church. 


•;'•:'•' 


1  «  c 

c 
r  c 

t  " 


POPE'S  PREFACE  TO  THE  ILIAD  OF  HOMER 


Homer  is  universally  allowed  to  have  harl  the  great- 
est invention  of  any  writer  whatever.  The  praise  of 
judgment  Virgil  has  justly  contested  with  him,  and 
others  may  have  their  pretensions  as  to  particular  ex- 
cellences; but  his  invention  remains  yet  unrivaled. 
Nor  is  it  a  wonder  if  he  has  ever  been  acknowledged 
the  greatest  of  poets,  Avho  most  excelled  in  that  which 
is  the  very  foundation  of  poetry.  It  is  the  invention 
that,  in  difEereut  degrees,  distinguishes  all  great  gen- 
iuses: the  utmost  stretch  of  human  study,  learning, 
and  industry,  which  masters  everything  besides,  can 
never  attain  to  this.  It  furnishes  art  with  all  her  ma- 
terials, and  without  it  judgment  itself  can  at  best  but 
•'steal  wisely:"  for  art  is  only  like  a  prudent  steward 
that  lives  on  managing  the  riches  of  nature.  Whatever 
praises  may  be  given  to  works  of  judgment,  there  is 
not  even  a  single  beauty  in  them  to  which  the  inven- 
tion must  not  contribute:  as  in  the  most  regular  gar- 
dens, art  can  only  reduce  beauties  of  nature  to  more 
regularity,  and  such  a  figure,  which  the  common  eye 
may  better  take  in,  and  is,  therefore,  more  entertained 
with.  And,  perha])s,  the  reason  wiiy  common  critics 
are  inclined  to  prefer  a  judicious  and  methodical  genius 
to  a  great  and  fruitful  one,  is,  because  they  find  it 
easier  for  themselves  to  pursue  their  observations 
through  a  uniform  and  bouixded  walk  of  art,  than  to 
comprehend  the  vast  and  various  extent  of  nature. 

Our  author's  work  is  a  wild  ])aradise,  where,  if  Ave 
cannot  see  all  the  Ijeautios  so  distinctly  as  in  an  ordered 
garden,  it  is  only  because  the  number  of  them  is  infi- 
nitely greater.  It  is  like  a  copious  nursery,  which 
contains  the  seeds  and  first  jiroductions  of  every  kind, 
out  of  whifdi  those  who  followed  liim  have  but  selected 
some  partifuilar  plants,  each  according  to  liis  fancy,  to 
cultivate  and  Ixtaiitify.  If  smiK!  things  are  too  luxui'iant 
it  is  owing  to  tiie  richness  of  the  soil;  and  if  others  are 
nf)t  arrived  to  perfection  or  maturity,  it  is  only  because 


38  PREFACE. 

they  are  overran  and  oppressed  by  those  of  a  stronger 
nature. 

It  is  to  the  strength  of  this  amazing  invention  we 
are  to  attribute  that  unequaled  fire  and  rapture  which  is 
so  forcible  in  Homer,  that  no  man  of  a  true. .poetical 
spirit  is  master  of  himself  while  he  reads  him.  What  he 
writes  is  of  tlie  most  animated  nature  imaginable;  every- 
thing moves,  everything  lives,  and  is  put  in  action.  If 
a  council  be  called,  or  a  battle  fought,  you  are  not  coldly 
informed  of  what  was  said  or  done  as  from  a  third  per- 
son; the  reader  is  hurried  out  of  himself  by  the  force 
of  the  poet's  imagination,  and  turns  in  one  place  to  a 
hearer,  in  another  to  a  spectator.  The  course  of  his 
verses  resembles  that  of  the  army  he  describes, 

Oi<5'  ap  l'6av,  (Jidei  rs  nvpl  x^^''^  itada  vapioiTo. 

"They  pour  along  like  a  fire  that  sweeps  the  whole 
earth  before  it."  It  is,  however,  remarkable,  that  his 
fancy,  which  is  everywhere  vigorous,  is  not  discovered 
immediately  at  the  beginning  of  his  poem  in  its  fullest 
splendor:  it  grows  in  the  progress  both  upon  himself 
and  others,  and  becomes  on  fire,  like  a  chariot-wheel, 
by  its  own  rapidity.  Exact  disposition,  just  thought, 
correct  elocution,  polished  numbers,  may  have  been 
found  in  a  thousand;  but  this  poetic  fire,  this  ^'vivida 
vis  animi,"  in  a  very  few.  Even  in  works  where  all 
those  are  imperfect  or  neglected,  this  can  overpower 
criticism,  and  make  ns  admire  even  while  we  disap- 
prove. Nay,  where  this  appears,  though  attended  with 
absurdities,  it  brightens  all  the  rubbish  about  it,  till 
we  see  nothing  but  its  own  splendor.  This  fire  is  dis- 
cerned in  Virgil,  but  discerned  as  through  a  glass,  re- 
flected from  Homer,  more  shining  than  fierce,  but 
everywhere  equal  and  constant:  in  Lucan  and  Statius 
it  bursts  out  in  sudden,  short,  and  interrupted  flashes: 
in  Milton  it  glows  like  a  furnace  kept  up  to  an  uncom- 
mon ardor  by  the  force  of  art:  in  .^hakspeare  it  strikes 
before  we  are  aware,  like  an  accidental  fire  from  heaven : 
but  in  Homer,  and  in  him  only,  it  burns  everywhere 
clearly  and  everywhere  irresistibly. 

I  shall  here  endeavor  to  show  how  this  vast  invention 
exerts  itself  in  a  manner  superior  to  that  of  any  poet 
through  all  the  main  constituent  parts  of  his  work:  as 
it  is  the  great  and  peculiar  characteristic  which  dis- 
tinguishes him  from  all  other  authors. 


PREFACE.  39 

This  strong  aud  ruling  faculty  was  like  a  powerful 
star,  which,  in  the  violence  of  its  course,  drew  all 
things  within  its  vortex.  It  seemed  not  enough  to 
have"  taken  in  the  whole  circle  of  arts,  and  the  whole 
compass  of  nature,  to  supply  his  maxims  and  reflec- 
tions; all  the  inward  passions  and  affections  of  mankind, 
to  furnish  his  characters;  and  all  the  outward  forms 
and  images  of  things  for  his  descriptions:  but  wanting 
yet  an  ampler  sphere  to  expiate  in,  he  opened  a  new 
and  boundless  walk  for  his  imagination,  and  created  a 
world  for  himelf  in  the  invention  of  fable.  That 
which  Aristotle  calls  "the  soul  of  poetry,"  was  first 
breathed  into  it  by  Homer.  I  shall  begin  with  consid- 
ering him  in  his  part,  as  it  is  naturally  the  first;  and  I 
speak  of  it  both  as  it  means  the  design  of  a  poem,  and 
as  it  is  taken  for  fiction. 

Fable  may  be  divided  into  the  probable,  the  allegor- 
ical, and  the  marvelous.  The  probable  fable  is  the 
recital  of  such  actions  as,  though  they  did,  not 
happen,  yet  might,  in  the  common  course  of  na- 
ture; or  of  such  as,  though  they  did,  became  fables 
by  the  additional  episodes  and  manner  of  telling 
them.  Of  this  sort  is  the  main  story  of  an  epic  poem, 
''The  return  of  Ulysses,  the  settlement  of  the  Trojans 
in  Italy,"  or  the  like.  That  of  the  Iliad  is  the  "anger 
of  Achilles,"  the  most  short  and  single  .subject  that 
ever  was  chosen  by  any  poet. .  Yet  this  he  has  supplied 
with  a  vaster  variety  of  incidents  and  events,  and 
crowded  with  a  greater  number  of  councils,  speeches, 
battles,  and  episodes  of  all  kinds,  than  are  to  be  found 
even  in  those  poems  whose  schemes  are  of  the  utmost 
latitude  and  irregularity.  The  action  is  hurried  on 
with  the  most  vehement  spirit,  and  its  whole  duration 
employs  not  so  much  as  fifty  days.  Virgil,  for  want 
of  so  warm  a  genius,  aided  himself  by  taking  in  a  more 
extensive  subject,  as  well  as  a  greater  length  of  time, 
and  contracting  tlje  design  of  both  Homer's  poems  into 
one,  which  is  yet  but  a  fourth  part  as  largo  as  his. 
The  other  epic  poets  have  used  the  same  practice,  but 
generallv  carried  it  so  far  as  to  superinduce  a  multi- 
plicity of  fables,  destroy  the  unity  of  action,  and  lose 
their  readers  in  an  unreasonable  length  of  time.  Nor 
is  it  only  in  the  main  design  that  they  have  boon  un- 
ablo  to  add  to  his  invention,  but  they  have  followed 
him  in  every  episode  and  part  of  story.     If  he  has  given 


40  PREFACE. 

a  regular  catalogue  of  an  ariny,  they  all  draw  up  their 
forces  in  the  same  order.  If  he  has  funeral  games  for 
Patroclus,  Virgil  has  the  same  for  Anchises;  and 
Statins  (rather  than  omit  them)  destroys  the  unity  of 
his  actions  for  those  of  Archemorus.  If  Ulysses  visit 
the  shades,  the  ^neas  of  Virgil  and  Scii^io  of  Silius  are 
sent  after  him.  If  he  be  detained  from  his  return  by 
the  allurements  of  Calypso,  so  is  J^lueas  by  Dido,  and 
Einaldo  by  Armida.  If  Achilles  be  absent  from  the 
army  on  the  score  of  a  quarrel  through  half  the  poem, 
Einaldo  must  absent  himself  just  as  |ong  on  the  like 
account.  If  he  gives  his  hero  a  suit  of  celestial  armor, 
Virgil  and  Tasso  make  the  same  present  to  theirs. 
Virgil  has  not  only  observed  this  close  imitation  of 
Homer,  but,  where  he  had  not  led  the  way,  supplied 
the  want  from  other  Greek  authors.  Thus  the  story 
of  Sinon,  and  the  taking  of  Troy,  was  copied  (says 
Macrobius)  almost  word  for  word  from  Pisander,  as  the 
loves  of  Dido  and  ^neas  are  taken  from  those  of  Medea 
and  Jason  in  Apollonius;  and  several  others  in  the 
same  manner. 

To  proceed  to  the  allegorical  fable.  If  we  reflect 
upon  those  innumerable  knowledges,  those  secrets  of 
nature  and  physical  philosophy  which  Homer  is  gener- 
ally supposed  to  have  wrapped  up  in  his  allegories, 
what  a  new  and  ample  scene  of  wonder  may  this  con- 
sideration afford  us!  How  fertile  will  that  imagination 
appear,  which  was  able  to  clothe  all  the  properties  of 
elements,  the  qualifications  of  the  mind,  the  virtues 
and  vices,  in  forms  and  persons;  and  to  introduce  them 
into  actions  agreeable  to  the  nature  of  the  things  they 
shadowed!  This  is  a  field  in  which  no  succeeding  poets 
could  dispute  with  Homer;  and  whatever  commenda- 
tions have  been  allowed  them  on  this  head,  are  by  no 
means  for  their  invention  in  having  enlarged  his  circle, 
but  for  their  judgment  in  having  contracted  it.  For 
when  the  mode  of  learning  changed  in  the  following 
ages,  and  science  was  delivered  in  a  plainer  manner,  it 
then  became  as  reasonable  in  the  more  modern  poets  to 
lay  it  aside,  as  it  was  in  Homer  to  make  use  of  it.  And 
perhaps  it  was  no  unhappy  circumstance  for  Virgil, 
that  there  was  not  in  his  time  that  demand  upon  him 
of  so  great  an  invention  as  might  be  capable  of  furnish- 
ing all  those  allegorical  jjarts  of  a  poem. 

The  marvelous  fable  includes  whatever  is  supernat- 


PREFACE.  41 

oral,  and  especially  the  machines  of  the  gods.  If 
Homer  was  not  the  first  who  introduced  the  deities  (as 
Herodotus  imagines)  into  the  religion  of  Greece,  he 
seems  the  first  who  brought  them  into  a  system  of  ma- 
chinery for  poetry,  and  such  a  one  as  makes  its  greatest 
importance  and  dignity:  for  we  find  those  authors  who 
have  been  offended  at  the  literal  notion  of  the  gods, 
constantly  laying  their  accusation  against  Homer  as 
the  chief  support  of  it.  But  whatever  cause  there 
might  be  to  blame  his  machines  in  a  philosophical  or 
religious  view,  they  are  so  j^erfect  in  the  poetic,  that 
mankind  have  been  ever  since  contented  to  follow 
them:  none  have  been  able  to  enlarge  the  sphere  of 
poetry  beyond  the  limits  he  has  set:  every  attempt  of 
this  nature  has  proved  unsuccessful;  and  after  all  the 
various  changes  of  times  and  religions,  his  gods  con- 
tinue to  this  day  the  gods  of  poetry. 

We  come  now  to  the  characters  of  his  persons,  and 
here  we  shall  find  no  author  has  ever  drawn  so  many, 
with  so  visible  and  surjorising  a  variety,  or  given  us 
such  lively  and  affecting  impressions  of  them.  Every 
one  has  something  so  singularly  his  own,  that  no  painter 
could  have  distinguisiied  them  more  by  tlieir  features, 
than  the  poet  has  by  their  manners.  Nothing  can  be 
more  exact  than  the  distinctions  he  has  observed  in  the 
different  degrees  of  virtues  and  vices.  The  single 
quality  of  courage  is  wonderfully  diversified  in  the  sev- 
eral characters  of  the  Iliad.  That  of  Achilles  is  furious 
and  intractable;  that  of  Diomede  forward,  yet  listening 
to  advice,  and  subject  to-  command;  that  of  Ajax  is 
heavy  and  self-confiding;  of  Hector,  active  and  vigi- 
lant: the  courage  of  Agamemnon  is  inspirited  by  love 
of  empire  and  ambition;  that  of  Menelaus  mixed  with 
softness  and  tenderness  for  his  people:  we  find  in  Ido- 
meneus  a  plain,  direct  soldier;  in  Sarpedon  a  gallant 
aiul  generous  one.  Nor  is  this  judicious  and  astonish- 
ing (iivorsity  to  be  found  only  in  the  principal  quality 
which  constitutes  the  main  of  each  character,  but  even 
in  the  under  ])arts  of  it,  to  which  ho  takes  care  to  give 
a  tincture  of  that  ])rincii)al  one.  For  example:  the 
main  characters  of  Ulysses  and  Nestor  consist  in  wis- 
dom; and  they  are  distinct  in  this,  that  the  wisdom  of 
one  is  art! tidal  aJid  various,  of  the  other  natural,  open, 
and  regular.  Hut  they  have,  bosides,  characters  of 
courage;  and  this  quality  also  takes  a  different  turn  in 


42  PREFACE. 

each  from  the  difference  of  his  prudence;  for  one  in 
the  war  depends  still  upon  caution,  the  other  upon  ex- 
perience. It  would  bo  endless  to  produce  instances  of 
these  kinds.  The  characters  of  Virgil  are  far  from 
striking  us  in  this  open  manner;  they  lie,  in  a  great 
degree,  hidden  and  undistinguished;  and,  where  they 
are  marked  most  evidently  alfect  us  not  in  proportion 
to  those  of  Homer.  His  characters  of  valor  are  much 
alike;  even  that  of  Turnus  seems  no  way  peculiar,  but, 
as  it  is,  in  a  superior  degree;  and  we  see  nothing  that 
differences  the  courage  of  Mnestheus  from  that  of 
Sergestus,  Cioanthus,  or  the  rest.  In  like  manner  it 
may  be  remarked  of  Statins'  heroes,  that  an  air  of  im- 
petuosity runs  through  them  all;  the  same  horrid  and 
savage  courage  appears  in  his  Capaneus,  Tydeus,  Hip- 
pomedon,  etc.  They  have  a  parity  of  character,  which 
makes  them  seem  brothers  of  one  family.  I  believe 
when  the  reader  is  led  into  this  tract  of  reflection,  if 
he  will  pursue  it  through  the  epic  and  tragic  writers, 
he  will  be  convinced  how  infinitely  superior,  in  this 
point,  the  invention  of  Homer  was  to  that  of  all  others. 

The  speeches  are  to  be  considered  as  they  flow  from 
the  characters;  being  perfect  or  defective  as  they  agree 
or  disagree  with  the  manners  of  those  who  utter  them. 
As  there  is  more  variety  of  characters  in  the  Iliad,  so 
there  is  of  speeches,  than  in  any  other  poem.  "Every- 
thing in  it  has  manner"  (as  Aristotle  expresses  it);  that 
is,  everything  is  acted  or  spoken.  It  is  hardly  credible, 
in  a  work  of  such  length,  how  small  a  number  of  lines 
are  employed  in  narration.  In  Virgil  the  dramatic 
part  is  less  in  proportion  to  the  narrative;  and  the 
speeches  often  consist  of  general  reflections  or  thoughts, 
which  might  be  equally  just  in  any  person's  mouth 
upon  the  same  occasion.  As  many  of  his  persons  have 
no  apparent  characters,  so  many  of  his  speeches  escape 
being  applied  and  judged  by  the  rule  of  propriety. 
We  oftener  think  of  the  author  himself  when  we  read 
Virgil,  than  when  we  are  engaged  in  Homer;  all  which 
are  the  effects  of  a  colder  invention,  that  interests  ns 
less  in  the  action  described:  Homer  makes  us  hearers, 
and  Virgil  leaves  us  readers. 

If,  in  the  next  place,  we  take  a  view  of  the  senti- 
ments, the  same  presiding  faculty  is  eminent  in  the 
sublimity  and  spirit  of  his  thouglits.  Longinus  has 
given  his  opinion,  that  it  was  in  this  part  Homer  priu- 


PREFACE.  43 

cipally  excelled.  What  were  alone  sufficient  to  prove 
the  grandeur  and  excellence  of  his  sentiments  in  gen- 
eral, is,  that  they  have  so  remarkable  a  parity  with 
those  of  the  Scripture.  Duport,  in  his  Gnomologia 
Homerica,  has  collected  innumerable  instances  of  this 
sort.  And  it  is  with  justice  an  excellent  modern  writer 
allows,  that  if  Virgil  has  not  so  many  thoughts  tliat  are 
low  and  vulgar,  he  has  not  so  many  that  are  sublime 
and  noble;  and  that  the  Roman  author  seldom  rises 
into  very  astonishing  sentiments  where  ho  is  not  fired 
by  the  Iliad. 

If  we  observe  his  descriptions,  images,  and  similes, 
we  shall  find  the  invention  still  predominant.  To  what 
else  can  we  ascribe  that  vast  comprehension  of  images 
of  every  sort,  where  we  see  each  circumstance  of  art, 
and  individual  of  nature,  summoned  together  by  the 
extent  and  fecundity  of  his  imagination;  to  which  all 
things,  in  their  various  views  presented  themselves  in 
an  instant,  and  had  their  impressions  taken  off  to  per- 
fection at  a  heat?  Nay,  he  not  only  gives  us  the  full 
prospects  of  things,  but  several  unexpected  peculiari- 
ties and  side  views,  unobserved  by  any  painter  but 
Homer.  Nothing  is  so  surprising  as  the  descriptions 
of  his  battles;  which  take  up  no  less  than  half  the 
Iliad,  and  are  supplied  with  so  vast  a  variety  of  inci- 
dents, that  no  one  bears  a  likeness  to  another;  such 
dilferent  kinds  of  deaths,  that  no  two  heroes  are 
wounded  in  the  same  manner;  and  such  a  profusion  of 
noble  ideas,  that  every  battle  rises  above  the  last  in 
greatness,  horror,  and  confusion.  It  is  certain  there  is 
not  near  that  number  of  images  and  descriptions  in 
any  epic  poet;  though  every  one  has  assisted  himself 
with  a  great  (juantity  out  of  him;  and  it  is  evident  of 
Virgil  especially,  that  he  has  scarce  any  comparisons 
which  are  not  drawn  from  his  master. 

If  we  descend  from  iience  to  the  expression,  wo  see 
the  bright  imagination  of  Homer  shining  out  in  tlie 
most  enlivened  forms  of  it.  We  acknowledge  him  the 
father  of  poetical  diction;  the  first  who  taught  that 
"language  of  the  gods"  to  men.  His  expression  is  like 
the  coloring  of  some  great  masters,  which  discovers  it- 
self to  be  laid  on  boldly,  and  executed  with  rai)idity. 
It  is,  in<leed,  the  stroTigost  and  most  glowing  imagina- 
ble, ami  touched  with  the  greatest  spirit.  Aristotle 
had  reason  to  say,  he  was  the  only  poet  who  has  found 


44  PREFACE. 

out  "living  words:"  there  are  in  him  more  daring  fig- 
ures and  metaphors  than  in  any  good  author  whatever. 
An  arrow  is  "inii)atient"  to  be  on  the  wing,  a  weapon 
"thirsts"  to  drink  the  blood  of  an  enemy,  and  the  like; 
yet  his  expression  is  never  too  big  for  the  sense,  but 
justly  great  in  proportion  to  it.  It  is  the  sentiment 
that  swells  and  tills  out  the  diction,  which  rises  with 
it,  and  forms  itself  about  it;  for  in  the  same  degree 
that  a  thought  is  warmer,  an  expression  will  be  brighter; 
as  that  is  more  strong,  this  will  become  more  perspicu- 
ous; like  glass  in  the  furnace,  which  grows  to  a  greater 
magnitude,  and  refines  to  a  greater  clearness,  only  as 
the  breath  within  is  more  powerful,  and  the  heat  more 
intense. 

To  throw  his  language  more  out  of  prose.  Homer 
seems  to  have  affected  the  compound  epithets.  This 
was  a  sort  of  composition  peculiarly  proper  to  poetry; 
not  only  as  it  heightened  the  diction,  but  as  it  assisted 
and  filled  the  numbers  with  greater  sound  and  pomp, 
and  likewise  conduced  in  some  measure  to  thicken  the 
images.  On  this  last  consideration  I  cannot  but  attrib- 
ute these  also  to  the  fruitfulnessof  his  invention;  since 
(as  he  has  managed  them)  they  are  a  sort  uf  supernu- 
merary pictures  of  the  persons  or  things  to  which  they 
were  joined.  We  see  the  motion  of  Hector's  plumes 
in  the  epithet  KopyKpaioXo?^  the  landscape  of  Mount 
Neritus  in  that  of  EivodBvXXoi^  and  so  of  others;  which 
particular  images  could  not  have  been  insisted  upon  so 
long  as  to  express  them  in  a  description  (though  but  of 
a  single  line)  without  diverting  the  reader  too  much 
from  the  principal  action  or  figure.  A§  the  metaphor 
is  a  short  simile,  one  of  these  epithets  is  a  short  de- 
scription. 

Lastly,  if  we  consider  his  versification,  we  shall  be 
sensible  what  a  share  of  praise  is  due  to  his  invention 
in  that  also.  He  was  not  satisfied  with  his  language  as 
he  found  it  settled  in  any  one  part  of  Greece,  but 
searched  through  its  different  dialects  with  this  partic- 
ular view,  to  beautify  and  perfect  his  numbers:  he 
considered  these  as  thev  had  a  o-reater  mixture  of  vow- 
els  or  consonants,  and  accordingly  employed  them  as  the 
verse  required  either  a  greater  smoothness  or  strength. 
What  he  most  affected  was  the  Ionic,  which  has  a 
peculiar  sweetness,  from  its  never  using  contradictions, 
and  from  its  custom  of  resolving  the  diphthongs  into 


PREFACE.  45 

two  syllables,  so  as  to  make  the  words  open  themselves 
with  a  more  spreading  and  soncrous  fluency.  With 
this  he  mingled  the  Attic  contractions,  the  broader 
Doric,  and  the  feebler  ^olic,  which  often  rejects  its 
aspirate,  or  takes  off  its  accent;  and  completed  this 
variety  by  altering  some  letters  with  the  license  of 
poetry.  Thus  his  measures,  instead  of  being  fetters  to 
his  sense,  were  always  in  readiness  to  run  along  with 
the  warmth  of  his  rapture,  and  even  to  give  a  further 
representation  of  his  notions,  in  the  correspondence  of 
their  sounds  to  what  they  signified.  Out  of  all  these 
he  had  derived  that  harmony  which  makes  us  confess 
he  had  not  only  tlie  richest  head,  but  tlie  finest  ear  in 
the  world.  This  is  so  great  a  trntli,  that  whoever  will 
but  consult  the  tune  of  his  verses,  even  without  under- 
standing them  (with  the  same  sort  of  diligence  as  we 
daily  see  practised  in  the  case  of  Italian  operas),  will 
find  more  sweetness,  variety,  and  majesty  of  sound, 
than  in  any  other  language  of  poetry.  The  beauty  of 
his  numbers  is  allowed  by  the  critics  to  be  copied  but 
faintly  by  Virgil  himself,  though  they  are  so  just  as  to 
ascribe  it  to  the  nature  of  the  Latin  tongue:  indeed 
the  Greek  has  some  advantages,  both  from  the  natural 
sound  of  its  words,  and  the  turn  and  cadence  of  its 
verse,  which  agree  with  the  genius  of  no  other  language. 
Virgil  was  very  sensible  of  this,  and  used  the  utmost 
diligence  in  working  up  a  more  intractable  language  to 
whatsoever  grace  it  was  capable  of,  and  in  particular, 
never  failed  to  bring  the  sound  of  his  line  to  a  beauti- 
ful agreement  with  its  sense.  If  the  Grecian  poet  has 
not  been  so  fre(|uently  celebrated  on  this  account  as  the 
Roman,  the  only  reason  is,  that  fewer  critics  have  un- 
derstood one  language  than  the  other.  Dionysius  of 
Halicarnassus  has  pointed  out  many  of  our  author's 
beauties  in  this  kind,  in  his  treatise  of  the  Composition 
of  AVords.  It  suflices  at  present  to  observe  of  his  num- 
bers, that  they  flow  with  so  much  case,  as  to  make  one 
imagine  Homer  had  no  oilier  care  than  to  transcribe  as 
fast  as  the  Muses  dictated,  and,  at  the  same  time,  with 
so  much  forf;o  and  inspii'itiiig  vigor,  that  thoy  awaken 
and  raise  us  like  the  sound  of  a  trumjict.  They  roll 
along  as  a  plentiful  river,  always  in  motion  and  always 
full;  wliile  we  are  borne  away  by  a  tide  of  verso,  the 
most  rapid,  and  yet  the  most  smooth  imaginable. 

Thus  on  whatever  side  we  contemplate  Homer,  what 


46  PREFACE. 

principally  strikes  us  is  his  invention.  It  is  that  which 
forms  the  character  of  each  part  of  his  work;  and  ac- 
cordingly we  rind  it  to  have  made  his  fahie  more  exten- 
sive and  copious  than  any  other,  his  manners  more 
lively  and  strongly  marked,  his  s})eeches  more  affecting 
and  transported,  his  sentiments  more  warm  and  snb- 
lime,  his  images  and  descriptions  more  full  and  ani- 
mated, his  expression  more  raised  and  daring,  and  his 
numbers  more  rapid  and  various.  I  hope,  in  what  has 
been  said  of  Virgil,  with  regard  to  any  of  these  heads, 
I  have  no  way  derogated  from  his  character.  Nothing 
is  more  absurd  or  endless,  than  the  common  method  of 
comparing  eminent  writers  by  an  opposition  of  particu- 
lar passages  in  them,  and  forming  a  judgment  from 
thence  of  their  merit  upon  the  whole.  We  ought  to 
have  a  certain  knowledge  of  the  principal  character 
and  distinguishing  excellence  of  each:  it  is  in  that  we 
are  to  consider  him,  and  in  proportion  to  his  degree  in 
that  we  are  to  admire  him.  No  author  or  man  ever 
excelled  all  the  world  in  more  than  one  faculty;  and 
as  Homer  has  done  this  in  invention,  Virgil  has  in 
judgment.  Not  that  we  are  to  tliink  that  Homer 
wanted  judgment,  because  Virgil  had  it  in  a  more  emi- 
nent degree;  or  that  Virgil  wanted  invention,  because 
Homer  possessed  a  larger  share  of  it;  each  of  these 
great  authors  had  more  of  both  than  perhaps  any  man 
besides,  and  are  only  said  to  have  less  in  comparison 
with  one  another.  Homer  was  the  greater  genius, 
'  Virgil  the  better  artist.  In  one  we  most  admire  the 
man,  in  the  other  the  work.  Homer  hurries  and  trans- 
ports us  with  a  commanding  impetuosity;  Virgil  leads 
us  with  an  attractive  majesty;  Homer  scatters  with  a 
generous  profusion;  Virgil  bestows  with  a  careful  mag- 
niricence;  Homer,  like  the  Nile,  pours  out  of  his  riches 
with  a  boundless  overflow;  Virgil,  like  a  river  in  its 
banks,  with  a  gentle  and  constant  stream.  When  we 
behold  their  battles,  methinks  the  two  poets  resemble 
the  heroes  they  celebrate.  Homer,  boundless  and  re- 
sistless as  Achilles,  bears  all  before  him,  and  shines 
more  and  more  as  the  tumult  increases;  Virgil,  calmly 
daring  like  ^Eneas,  appears  undisturbed  in  the  midst 
of  the  action;  disposes  all  about  him,  and  conquers 
with  tranquillity.  And  when  we  look  upon  their  ma- 
chines. Homer  seems  lilvC  his  own  Jupiter  in  his  terrors, 
shaking  Olympus,  scattering  tlie  lightnings,  and  firing 


PREFACE  .  47 

the  heavens:  Virgil,  like  the  same  power  in  his  benev- 
olence, counseling  with  the  gods,  laying  plans  for  em- 
pires, and  regularly  ordering  his  whole  creation. 

But  after  all,  it  is  with  great  parts,  as  with  great  vir- 
tues, they  naturally  border  on  some  imperfection;  and 
it  is  often  hard  to  distinguish  exactly  where  the  virtue 
ends,  or  the  fault  begins.  As  prudence  may  sometimes 
sink  to  suspicion,  so  may  a  great  judgment  decline  to 
coldness;  and  as  magnanimity  may  run  up  to  profusion 
or  extravagance,  so  may  a  great  invention  to  redun- 
dancy or  wildness.  If  we  look  upon  Homer  in  this 
view,  we  shall  peceive  the  chief  objections  against  him 
to  proceed  from  so  noble  a  cause  as  the  excess  of  this 
faculty. 

Among  these  we  may  reckon  some  of  his  marvelous 
fictions,  upon  which  so  much  criticism  has  been  spent, 
as  surpassing  all  the  bounds  of  probability.  Perhaps  it 
may  be  with  great  and  superior  souls,  as  with  gigantic 
bodies,  which,  exerting  themselves  with  unusual 
strength,  exceed  what  is  commonly  thought  the  due 
proportion  of  parts,  to  become  miracles  in  the  whole; 
and,  like  the  old  heroes  of  that  make,  commit  some- 
thing near  extravagance  amid  a  series  of  glorious  and 
inimitable  performances.  Tiius  Homer  has  his  ''speak- 
ing horses;"  and  Virgil  his  "myrtles  distilling  blood," 
where  the  latter  has  not  so  much  as  contrived  the  easy 
intervention  of  a  deity  to  save  the  probability. 

It  is  owing  to  the  same  vast  invention,  that  his  simi- 
les have  been  thought  too  exuberant  and  full  of  cir- 
cumstances. The  force  of  this  faculty  is  seen  in  noth- 
ing more,  than  in  its  inability  to  confine  itself  to  that 
single  circumstance  upon  which  the  comparison  is 
grounded:  it  runs  out  into  embellishments  of  addi- 
tional  images,  which,  however,  are  so  managed  as  not 
to  over[)ower  the  main  one.  His  similes  are  like  pic- 
tures, where  the  principal  figure  has  not  only  its  pro- 
portion given  agreeable  to  the  original,  but  is  also  set 
off  with  occasional  ornaments  and  prospects.  The 
same  will  account  for  his  manner  of  heajiing  a  number 
of  comparisinis  together  in  one  breath,  when  his  fancy 
suggested  to  him  at  once  so  many  various  and  corre- 
spondent images.  The  reader  will  easily  extend  this 
observation  to  more  ol)je(!tions  of  the  same  kind. 

If  there  are  others  wliicli  seem  rather  to  charge  him 
with  a  defect  or  narrowness  of  genius,  than  an  excess  of 


48  .  PREFACE. 

it,  those  seemicg  defects  will  be  found  npon  examina- 
tion to  proceed  wholly  from  the  nature  of  the  times  he 
lived  in.  Such  are  his  grosser  representations  of  the 
gods;  and  the  vicious  and  imperfect  manners  of  his 
heroes,  but  I  must  here  speak  a  word  of  the  latter,  as 
it  is  a  point  generally  carried  into  extremes,  both  by 
the  censurers  and  defenders  of  Homer.  It  mnst  be  a 
strange  partiality  to  antiquity,  to  think  with  Madame 
Dacier,*  "that  those  times  and  manners  are  so  much 
the  more  excellent,  as  they  are  more  contrary  to  ours." 
Who  can  be  so  prejudiced  in  their  favor  as  to  magnify 
the  felicity  of  those  ages,  when  a  spirit  of  revenge  and 
cruelty,  joined  with  the  practice  of  rapine  and  robbery, 
reigned  through  the  world:  when  no  mercy  was  shown 
but  for  the  sake  of  lucre;  when  the  greatest  princes 
were  put  to  the  sword,  and  their  wives  and  daughters 
made  slaves  and  concubines?  On  the  other  side,  I 
would  not  be  so  delicate  as  those  modern  critics,  who 
are  shocked  at  the  servile  offices  and  mean  employments 
in  which  we  sometimes  see  the  heroes  of  Homer  en- 
gaged. There  is  a  pleasure  in  taking  a  view  of  that 
simplicity,  in  opposition  to  the  luxury  of  succeeding 
ages:  in  beholding  monarchs  without  their  guards; 
princes  tending  their  flocks,  and  princesses  drawing 
water  from  the  springs.  When  we  read  Homer,  we 
ought  to  reflect  that  we  are  reading  the  most  ancient 
author  in  the  heathen  world ;  and  those  who  consider 
him  in  this  light,  will  double  their  pleasure  in  the  pe- 
rusal of  him.  Let  them  think  they  are  growing  ac- 
quainted with  nations  and  poeple  that  are  now  no  more; 
that  they  are  stepping  almost  three  thousand  years 
back  into  the  remotest  antiquity,  and  entertaining 
themselves  with  a  clear  and  surprising  vision  of  things 
nowhere  else  to  be  found,  the  only  true  mirror  of  that 
ancient  world.  By  this  means  alone  their  greatest  ob- 
stacles will  vanish;  and  what  usually  creates  their 
dislike,  will  become  a  satisfaction. 

This  consideration  may  further  serve  to  answer  for 
the  constant  use  of  the  same  epithets  to  his  gods  and 
heroes;  such  as  the  "far-darting  Phcrbus,"  the  "blue- 
eyed  Pallas,"  the  "swift-footed  Achilles,"  etc.,  which 
some  have  censured  as  impertinent,  and  tediously  re- 
peated.    Those  of  the  gods  depended  upon  the  jDowers 

*  Preface  to  lier  Homer. 


PREFACE.  49 

and  offices  then  believed  to  belong  to  them;  and  bad 
contracted  a  weight  and  yeneration  from  the  rites  and 
solemn  devotions  in  which  they  were  used:  they  "were 
a  sort  of  attributes  with  which  it  was  a  matter  of  reli- 
gion to  salnte  them  on  all  occasions,  and  which  it  was 
an  irreverence  to  omit.  As  for  the  epithets  of  great 
men,  Mons.  Boileau  is  of  opinion,  that  they  were  in 
tbe  nature  of  surnames,  and  repeated  as  such;  for  the 
Greeks,  having  no  names  derived  from  their  fathers, 
were  obliged  to  add  some  other  distinction  of  each  per- 
son; either  naming  his  parents  expressly,  or  his  place 
of  birth,  profession,  or  the  like:  as  Alexander  the  son 
of  Philip,  Herodotus  of  Halicarnassus,  Diogenes  the 
Cynic,  etc.  Homer,  therefore,  complying  with  the 
custom  of  his  country,  used  such  distinctive  additions^ 
as  better  agreed  with  poetry.  And,  indeed,  we  have 
something  parallel  to  these  in  modern  times,  such  as 
the  names  of  Harold  Harefoot,  Edmund  Ironside,  Ed- 
ward Longshanks,  Edward  the  Black  Prince,  etc.  If 
yet  this  be  thought  to  account  better  for  the  propriety 
than  for  the  repetition,  I  shall  add  a  further  conjec- 
ture. Hesiod,  dividing  the  world  into  its  different 
ages,  has  placed  a  fourth  age,  between  the  brazen  and 
the  iron  one,  of  "heroes  distinct  from  other  men;  a 
divine  race  who  fought  at  Thebes  and  Troy,  are  called 
demi-gods,  and  live  by  the  care  of  Jupiter  in  the  islands 
of  the  blessed."  *  Now  among  the  divine  honors  which 
were  paid  them,  they  might  have  this  also  in  common 
with  the  gods,  not  to  be  mentioned  without  the  solem- 
nity of  an  epithet,  and  such  as  might  be  acceptable  to 
them  by  celebrating  their  families,  actions  or  qualities. 
What  other  cavils  have  been  raised  against  Homer 
are  such  as  hardly  deserve  a  reply,  but  will  yet  be  taken 
notice  of  as  they  occur  in  the  course  of  the  work. 
.Many  have  been  occasioned  by  an  injudicious  endeavor 
to  exalt  Virgil;  which  is  mucli  the  same,  as  if  one 
should  think  to  raise  the  superstructure  liy  undermin- 
ing the  foundation:  one  would  imagine,  by  the  whole 
course  of  their  parallels,  tliat  these  critics  never  so 
much  as  heard  of  ilonicr's  having  written  lirst;  a  con- 
sideration wiiich  whoever  couipares  these  two  poets 
ought  to  have  always  in  his  eye.  Some  accuse  him  for 
the  same  tilings  which  they  overlook  or  praise  in  the 

*  Hesiod.  Opp.  et  Dier.  Lib.  I.  vers.  155,  etc. 


50  PREFACE. 

Other;  as  wlien  tliey  prefer  the  fable  and  moral  of  the 
^Eiieis  to  those  of  the  Iliad,  for  the  same  reasons  which 
might  set  the  Odyssey  above  the  ^neis;  as  that  the 
hero  is  a  wiser  man,  and  the  action  of  the  one  more 
beneficial  to  his  country  than  that  of  the  other;  or  else 
they  blame  him  for  not  doing  what  he  never  designed; 
as  because  Achilles  is  not  as  good  and  perfect  a  prince 
as  zEneas,  when  the  very  moral  of  his  poem  required  a 
contrary  character:  it  is  thus  that  Eapin  judges  in  his 
comparison  of  Homer  and  Virgil.  Others  select  those 
particular  passages  of  Homer  which  are  not  so  labored 
as  some  that  Virgil  drew  out  of  them:  this  is  the  whole 
management  of  Scaliger  in  his  Poetics.  Others  quarrel 
wi(h  what  they  take  for  low  and  mean  expressions, 
sometimes  through  a  false  delicacy  and  refinement, 
ofteuer  from  an  ignorance  of  the  graces  of  the  original, 
and  then  triumph  in  the  awkwardness  of  their  own 
translations:  this  is  the  conduct  of  Perrault  in  his  Par- 
allels. Lastly,  there  are  others,  who,  pretending  to  a 
fairer  proceeding,  distinguish  between  the  personal 
merit  of  Homer,  and  that  of  his  work;  but  when  they 
come  to  assign  the  causes  of  the  great  reputation  of 
the  Iliad,  they  found  it  upon  the  ignorance  of  his 
times,  and  the  prejudice  of  those  that  followed;  and 
in  pursuance  of  this  principle,  they  make  those  acci- 
dents (such  as  the  contention  of  the  cities,  etc)  to  be 
the  causes  of  his  fame,  which  were  in  reality  the  conse- 
quences of  his  merit.  The  same  might  as  well  be  said 
of  Virgil,  or  any  great  author  whose  general  character 
will  infallibly  raise  many  casual  additions  to  their  repu- 
tation. This  is  the  method  of  Mens,  de  la  Mott:  who 
yet  confesses  upon  the  whole  that  in  whatever  age 
Homer  had  lived,  he  must  have  been  the  greatest  poet 
of  his  nation,  and  that  he  may  be  said  in  his  sense  to 
be  the  master  even  of  those  who  surpassed  him. 

In  all  these  objections  we  see  nothing  that  contra- 
dicts his  title  to  the  honor  of  the  chief  invention:  and 
as  long  as  this  (which  is  indeed  the  characteristic  of 
poetry  itself)  remains  unequaled  by  his  followers,  he  still 
continues  superior  to  them.  A  cooler  judgment  may 
commit  fewer  faults,  and  be  more  approved  in  the  eyes 
of  one  sort  of  critics :  but  that  warmth  of  fancy  will  carry 
the  loudest  and  most  universal  applauses  which  holds 
the  heart  of  a  reader  under  the  strongest  enchantment. 
Homer  not  only  appears  the  inventor  of  poetry,  but 


PREFACE.  51 

excels  all  the  inventors  of  other  arts,  in  this,  that  he 
has  swallowed  up  the  honor  of  those  who  succeeded  him. 
What  he  has  done  admitted  no  increase,  it  only  left 
room  for  contraction  or  regulation.  He  showed  all  the 
stretch  of  fancy  at  once;  and  if  he  has  failed  in  some 
of  his  flights,  it  was  but  because  he  attempted  every- 
thing. A  work  of  this  kind  seems  like  a  mighty  tree, 
which  rises  from  the  most  vigorous  seed,  is  improved 
with  industry,  flourishes,  and  produces  the  finest  fruit; 
nature  and  art  conspire  to  raise  it;  pleasure  and  profit 
join  to  make  it  valuable:  and  they  who  find  the  justest 
faults,  have  only  said  that  a  few  branches  which  run 
luxuriant  through  a  richness  of  nature,  might  be  lopped 
into  form  to  give  it  a  more  regular  appearance. 

Having  now  spoken  of  tlie  beauties  and  defects  of 
the  original,  it  remains  to  treat  of  tlie  translation,  with 
the  same  view  to  the  chief  churacteristic.  As  far  as 
that  is  seen  in  the  main  parts  of  the  poem,  such  as  the 
fable,  manners,  and  sentiments,  no  translator  can  prej- 
udice it  but  by  willful  omissions  or  contractions.  As  it 
also  breaks  out  in  every  particular  image,  description, 
and  simile,  whoever  lessens  or  too  much  softens  those, 
takes  off  from  this  chief  character.  It  is  the  first  grand 
duty  of  an  interpreter  to  give  his  author  entire  and  un- 
maimed;  and  for  the  rest,  the  diction  and  versification 
only  are  his  proper  province,  since  these  must  be  his 
own,  but  the  others  he  is  to  take  as  he  finds  them. 

It  should  then  be  considered  what  methods  may  afford 
some  equivalent  in  our  language  for  the  graces  of  these 
in  the  (ircek.  It  is  certain  no  literal  translation  can 
bo  just  to  an  excellent  original  in  a  superior  language: 
but  it  is  a  great  mistake  to  imagine  (as  many  have  done) 
that  a  rash  jiaraphrase  can  make  amends  for  this  gen- 
eral defect;  which  is  no  less  in  danger  to  lose  tlie  spirit 
of  an  ancient,  by  deviating  into  the  modern  manners 
of  expression.  If  there  be  sometimes  a  darkness,  there 
is  often  a  light  in  antiquity,  which  nothing  better  pre- 
serves than  a  version  almost  literal.  I  know  no  liber- 
ties one  ought  to  take,  but  those  which  are  necessary 
to  transfusiiig  the  spirit  of  tlio  original,  ami  supporting 
the  poetical  style  of  tlie  translation:  and  1  will  venture 
to  say,  there  have  not  been  more  men  misled  in  foi-mer 
times  by  a  servilo,  dull  adherence  to  the  letter,  than 
have  been  deludod  in  ours  l)y  a  chimori(;al,  insolent 
hope  of  raising  and  improving  their  author.     It  is  not 


62  PREFACE. 

to  be  doubted,  that  the  fire  of  the  poem  is  what  a 
translator  should  principally  regard,  as  it  is  most  likely 
to  expire  in  his  managing:  however,  it  is  his  safest  way 
to  be  content  with  preserving  this  to  his  utmost  in  the 
whole,  without  endeavoring  to  be  more  than  he  finds 
his  author  is,  in  any  particular  place.  It  is  a  great 
secret  in  writing,  to  know  when  to  be  plain,  and  when 
poetical  and  figurative;  and  it  is  what  Homer  will  teach 
us,  if  we  will  but  follow  modestly  in  his  footsteps. 
Where  his  diction  is  bold  and  lofty,  let  us  raise  ours  as 
high  as  we  can;  but  where  his  is  plain  and  humble, 
we  ought  not  to  be  deterred  from  imitating  him  by  the 
fear  of  incurring  the  censure  of  a  mere  English  critic. 
Nothing  that  belongs  to  Homer  seems  to  have  been 
more  commonly  mistaken  than  the  just  pitch  of  his 
style:  some  of  his  translators  having  swelled  into  fus- 
tian in  a  proud  confidence  of  the  sublime;  others  sunk 
into  flatness,  in  a  cold  and  timorous  notion  of  simplic- 
ity. Methinks  I  see  these  different  followers  of  Homer, 
some  sweating  and  straining  after  him  by  violent  leaps  , 
and  bounds  (the  certain  signs  of  false  mettle),  others 
slowly  and  servilely  creeping  in  his  train,  while  the 
poet  himself  is  all  the  time  proceeding  with  an  unaf- 
fected and  equal  majesty  before  them.  However,  of 
the  two  extremes  one  could  sooner  pardon  frenzy  than 
frigidity;  no  author  is  to  be  envied  for  such  commen- 
dations, as  he  may  gain  by  that  character  of  style, 
which  his  friends  must  agree  together  to  call  simplicity, 
and  the  rest  of  the  world  will  call  dullness.  There  is  a 
graceful  and  dignified  simplicity,  as  well  as  a  bold  and 
sordid  one;  which  difEer  as  much  from  each  other  as 
the  air  of  a  plain  man  from  that  of  a  sloven:  it  is  one 
thing  to  be  tricked  up,  and  another  not  to  be  dressed 
at  all.  Simplicity  is  the  mean  between  ostentation 
and  rusticity. 

This  pure  and  noble  simplicity  is  nowhere  in  such 
perfection  as  in  the  Scripture  and  our  author.  One 
may  affirm,  with  all  respect  to  the  inspired  writings, 
that  the  Divine  Spirit  made  use  of  no  other  words  but 
"what  were  intelligible  and  common  to  men  at  that  time, 
and  in  that  part  of  the  world;  and,  as  Homer  is  the 
author  nearest  to  those,  his  style  must  of  course  bear  a 
greater  resemblance  to  the  sacred  books  than  that  of 
any  other  writer.  This  consideration  (together  with 
what  has  been  observed  of  the  parity  of  some  of  his 


PREFACE.  63 

thoughts)  may,  methiiiks,  induce  a  translator,  on  the 
one  hand,  to  give  in  to  several  of  those  general  phrases 
and  manners  of  expression,  wliicli  have  attained  a  ven- 
eration even  in  our  hmguage  from  being  used  in  the 
Old  Testament;  as,  on  the  other,  to  avoid  those  which 
have  been  appropriated  to  the  Divinity,  and  in  a  man- 
ner consigned  to  mystery  and  religion. 

For  a  further  preservation  of  this  air  of  simplicity,  a 
particular  care  shoukl  be  taken  to  express  with  all 
plainness  those  moral  sentences  and  proverbial  speeches 
which  are  so  numerous  in  this  poet.  They  have  some- 
thing venerable,  and  as  I  may  say,  oracular,  in  that 
unadorned  gravity  and  shortness  with  which  they  are 
delivered:  a  grace  which  would  be  utterly  lost  by  en- 
deavoring to  give  them  what  we  call  a  more  ingenious 
(that  is,  a  more  modern  )  turn  in  the  paraphrase. 

Perhaps  the  mixture  of  some  Grgecisms  and  old  words 
after  the  manner  of  Milton,  if  done  without  too  much 
affectation,  might  not  have  an  ill  effect  in  a  version  of 
this  particular  work,  which  most  of  any  other  seems  to 
require  a  venerable,  antique  cast.  But  certainly  the 
use  of  modern  terms  of  war  and  government,  such  as 
"platoon,  campaign,  junto,"  or  the  like  (into  which 
some  of  his  translators  have  fallen),  cannot  be  allowable; 
those  only  excepted  without  which  it  is  impossible  to 
treat  the  subjects  in  any  living  language. 

There  are  two  peculiarities  in  Homer's  diction  which 
are  a  sort  of  marks  or  moles  by  which  every  connnoi 
eve  distinguishes  him  at  first  sight;  those  who  are  not 
his  greatest  admirers  look  upon  them  as  defects,  and 
those  who  are,  seem  ])leased  with  them  as  beauties.  I 
speak  of  his  compound  epithets,  and  of  liis  repetitions. 
^lany  of  the  former  cannot  be  done  literally  into  Eng- 
lish without  destroying  the  purity  of  our  language.  I 
believe  such  should  be  retained  as  slide  easily  of  them- 
selves into  an  English  compound,  without  violence  to 
the  ear  or  to  the  received  rules  of  composition,  as  well 
as  those  wliich  liave  received  a  sanc^tioii  fiom  the  au- 
thority of  our  best  poets,  and  are  become  familiar 
through  their  use  of  them;  such  as  "the  cloud-compel- 
ling loVe,"  etc.  As  for  the  rest,  whenever  any  can  be 
as  fully  and  significantly  expressed  in  a  single  word  as 
in  a  compound  one,  the  course  to  be  taken  is  obvious. 

Homo  that  c;innf)t  bo  so  turned,  as  to  [irescrvo  their 
full  imago  by  one  or  two  words,  may  have  justice  done 


54  PREFACE. 

them  by  circumlocution;  as  the  epithet  Eiyo6i(pvXkoi 
to  a  mountain,  would  appear  little  or  ridiculous  trans- 
lated literally  "leaf-shaking,"  but  affords  a  majestic 
idea  in  the  periphrasis:  "the  lofty  mountain  shakes 
his  waving  woods."  Others  that  admit  of  different  sig- 
nifications, may  receive  an  advantage  from  a  judicious 
variation,  according  to  the  occasions  on  which  they  are 
introduced.  For  example,  the  epithet  of  Apollo, 
^Ttrj(36Xo';  or  "far-shooting,"  is  capable  of  two  expli- 
cations; one  literal,  in  respect  of  the  darts  and  bow, 
the  ensign  of  that  god;  the  other  allegorical,  with  re- 
gard to  the  rays  of  the  sun;  therefore  in  such  places 
where  Apollo  is  represented  as  a  god  in  person,  I  would 
use  the  former  interpretation;  and  where  the  effects 
of  the  sun  are  described,  I  would  make  choice  of  the 
latter.  Upon  the  whole,  it  will  be  necessary  to  avoid 
that  perpetual  repetition  of  the  same  epithets  which 
we  find  in  Homer,  and  which,  though  it  might  be  ac- 
commodated (as  has  been  already  shown)  to  the  ear  of 
those  times,  is  by  no'  means  so  to  ours:  but  one  may 
wait  for  opportunities  of  placing  them,  where  they  de- 
rive an  additional  beauty  from  the  occasions  on  which 
they  are  employed,  and  in  doing  tliis  properly,  a  trans- 
lator may  at  once  show  his  fancy  and  his  judgment. 

As  for  Homer's  repetitions,  we  may  divide  them  into 
three  sorts  of  whole  narrations  and  speeches,  of  single 
sentences,  and  of  one  verse  or  hemistitch.  I  hope  it  is 
not  impossible  to  have  such  a  regard  to  these,  as  neither 
to  lose  so  known  a  mark  of  tlie  author  on  the  one  hand, 
nor  to  offend  the  reader  too  much  on  the  other.  The 
repetition  is  not  ungraceful  in  those  sijeeches  where 
the  dignity  of  the  speaker  renders  it  a  sort  of  insolence 
to  alter  his  words;  as  in  the  messages  from  gods  to 
men,  or  from  higher  powers  to  inferiors  in  concerns  of 
state,  or  where  the  ceremonial  of  religion  seems  to  re- 
quire it,  in  the  solemn  forms  of  prayers,  oaths,  or  the 
like.  In  other  cases,  I  believe  the  best  rule  is,  to  be 
guided  by  the  nearness,  or  distai:;ce,  at  which  the  repe- 
titions are  placed  in  the  original:  when  they  follow  too 
close,  one  may  vary  the  expression;  but  it  is  a  question, 
whether  a  professed  translator  be  authorized"  to  omic 
any:  if  they  be  tedious,  the  author  is  to  answer  for  it. 

It  only  remains  to  speak  of  the  versification.  Homer 
(as  has  been  said)  is  perpetually  applying  the  sound  to 
the  sense,  and  varying  it  on  every  new  subject.     This  is 


PREFACE.  55 

indeed  one  of  the  inost  exquisite  beauties  of  poetry, 
and  attainable  by  A^ery  few:  I  only  know  of  Homer 
eminent  for  it  in  the  Greek,  andVirgil  in  the  Latin.  I 
am  sensible  it  is  what  may  sometimes  happen  by  chance, 
when  a  writer  is  warm  and  fully  possessed  of  his  image; 
however,  it  may  reasonably  be  believed  they  _  designed 
this,  in  whose  verse  it  so  manifestly  appears  in  a  supe- 
rior degree  to  all  others.  Few  readers  have  the  ear  to 
be  judges  of  it:  but  those  who  have,  will  see  I  have 
endeavored  at  this  beauty. 

Upon  the  whole,  I  must  confess  myself  utterly  inca- 
pable of  doing  justice  to  Homer.  I  attempt  him  in  no 
other  hope  but  that  which  one  may  entertain  without 
much  vanity,  of  giving  a  more  tolerable  copy  of  him 
than  any  entire  translation  in  verse  has  yet  done.  We 
have  only  those  of  Chapman,  Hobbes,  and  Ogilby. 
Chapman  has  taken  the  advantage  of  an  immeasurable 
length  of  verse,  notwithstanding  which,  there  is  scarce 
any  paraphrase  more  loose  and  rambling  than  his.  He 
has  frequent  interpolations  of  four  or  six  lines;  and  I 
remember  one  in  the  thirteenth  book  of  the  Odyssey, 
ver.  312,  where  he  has  spun  twenty  verses  out  of  two. 
He  is  often  mistaken  in  so  bold  a  manner,  that  one 
migiit  think  he  deviated  on  purpose,  if  he  did  not  in 
other  places  of  his  notes  insist  so  much  upon  verbal 
trifles.  He  appears  to  have  had  a  strong  affectation  of 
extracting  new  meanings  out  of  his  author;  insomuch 
as  to  promise,  in  his  rhyming  preface,  a  poem  of  the 
mysteries  he  had  revealed  in  Homer;  and  perhaps  he 
endeavored  to  strain  the  obvious  sense  to  this  end. 
His  expression  is  involved  in  fustian;  a  fault  for  which 
he  was  remarkable  in  his  original  writings,  as  in  the 
tragedy  of  liussy  d'Amboise,  etc.  In  a  word,  the  na- 
ture of  the  man  may  account  for  his  whole  perffU'in- 
ance;  for  he  ajjpears,  from  his  preface  and  remarks,  to 
have  been  of  an  arrogant  turn,  and  an  enthusiast  in 
poetry.  His  own  boast  of  having  linishcd  half  the 
Iliad  in  less  than  fifteen  weeks,  shows  witii  what  negli- 
gence his  version  was  performed.  J5ut  that  which  is 
to  bo  allowed  him,  and  which  very  mu(-h  contributed 
to  cover  his  dofcrts,  is  a  daring  fiei-y  spii-it  that  animates 
his  translation,  whicli  is  something  like  what  one  might 
imagine  Homer  himself  would  have  wi'it  before  Ik!  ar- 
rived at  years  of  discretion. 

Hobbes  has  given   us  a  correct  explanati(jn  of  the 


56  PREFACE. 

sense  in  general;  but  for  particulars  and  circumstances 
he  continually  lops  them,  and  often  omits  the  most 
beautiful.  As  for  its  being  esteemed  a  close  transla- 
tion, I  doubt  not  many  have  been  led  into  that  error 
by  the  shortness  of  it,  which  proceeds  not  from  his  fol- 
lowing the  original  line  by  line,  but  from  the  contrac- 
tions above  mentioned.  He  sometimes  omits  whole 
similes  and  sentences;  and  is  now  and  then  guilty  of 
mistakes,  into  which  no  writer  of  his  learning  could 
have  fallen,  but  through  carelessness.  His  poetry,  as 
well  as  Ogilby's,  is  too  mean  for  criticism. 

It  is  a  great  loss  to  the  poetical  world  that  Mr.  Dry- 
den  did  not  live  to  translate  the  Iliad.  He  has  left  us 
only  the  first  book,  and  a  small  part  of  the  sixth;  in 
which  if  he  has  in  some  places  not  truly  interpreted 
the  sense,  or  preserved  the  antiquities,  it  ought  to  be 
excused  on  account  of  the  haste  he  was  obliged  to  write 
in.  He  seems  to  have  had  too  much  regard  to  Chap- 
man, Avhose  words  he  sometimes  copies,  and  has  unhap- 
pily followed  him  in  passages  where  he  wanders  from 
the  original.  However,  had  he  translated  the  whole 
work,  I  would  no  more  have  attempted  Homer  after 
him  than  Virgil:  his  version  of  whom  (notwithstanding 
some  human  errors)  is  the  most  noble  and  s^jirited 
translation  I  know  in  any  language.  But  the  fate  of 
great  geniuses  is  like  that  of  great  ministers:  though 
they  are  confessedly  the  first  in  the  commonwealth  of 
letters,  they  must  be  envied  and  calumniated  only  for 
being  at  the  head  of  it. 

That  Avhich,  in  my  opinion,  ought  to  be  the  endeavor 
of  any  one  who  translates  Homer,  is  above  all  things  to 
keep  alive  that  spirit  and  fire  which  makes  his  chief 
character  in  particular  places,  where  the  sense  can  bear 
any  doubt,  to  follow  the  strongest  and  most  poetical, 
as  most  agreeing  with  that  character;  to  copy  him  in 
all  the  variations  of  his  style  and  the  modulations  of 
his  numbers;  to  preserve,  in  the  more  active  or  descrip- 
tive parts,  a  warmth  and  elevation;  in  the  more  sedate 
or  narrative,  a  plainness  and  solemnity;  in  the  speeches 
a  fullness  and  perspicuity;  in  the  sentences,  a sl^ortness 
and  gravity;  not  to  neglect  even  the  little  figures  and 
turns  on  the  words,  nor  sometimes  the  very  cast  of  the 
periods;  neither  to  omit  nor  confound  any  rites  or  cus- 
toms of  antiquity:  perhajis,  too,  he  .ought  to  include 
the  whole  in  a  shorter  comj^ass  than  has  hitherto  been 


PREFACE.  57 

done  by  any  translator  who  has  tolerably  preserved 
either  the  sense  or  poetry.  What  I  would  further  rec- 
ommend to  him  is,  to  study  his  author  rather  from  his 
own  text,  than  from  any  commentaries,  how  learned 
soever,  or  whatever  figure  they  may  make  in  the  esti- 
mation of  the  world;  to  consider  him  attentively  in 
comparison  with  Virgil  above  all  the  ancients,  and  with 
Milton  above  all  the  moderns.  Next  these,  the  Arch- 
bishDp  of  Cambray's  Telemachus  may  give  him  the 
truest  idea  of  the  spirit  and  turn  of  our  author;  and 
Bossu's  admirable  Treatise  of  the  Epic  Poem  the  just- 
est  notion  of  his  design  and  conduct.  But  after  all, 
with  whatever  judgment  and  study  a  man  may  proceed, 
or  with  whatever  happiness  he  may  perform  such  a 
work,  he  must  hope  to  please  but  a  few:  those  only 
who  have  at  once  a  taste  of  poetry,  and  competent 
learning.  For  to  satisfy  such  p,  want  either,  is  not  in 
the  nature  of  this  undertaking;  since  a  mere  modern 
wit  can  like  nothing  that  is  not  modern,  and  a  pedant 
nothing  that  is  not  Greek. 

What  I  have  done  is  submitted  to  the  public;  from 
whose  opinions  I  am  prepared  to  learn;  though  I  fear 
no  jndges  so  little  as  our  best  poets,  who  are  most  sen- 
sible of  the  weight  of  this  task.     As  for  the  worst, 
whatever  they  shall  please  to  say,  they  may  give  me 
some  concern  as  they  are  unhappy  men,  but  none  as 
they  are  malignant  ivriters.     I  was  guided  in  this  trans- 
lation by  judgments  very  different  from  theirs,  and  by 
persons  for  whom  they  can  have  no  kindness,  if  an  old 
observation  be  true,  that  the  strongest  antipathy  in  the 
world  is  that  of  fools  to  men  of  wit.     Mr.  Addison  was 
the  first  whoso  advice  determined  me  to  undertake  this 
task;  who  was  pleased  to  write  to  me  upon   that  occa- 
sion in  such   terms  as  I  cannot  repeat  without  vanity. 
I  was  obliged  to  Sir  Richard   Steele  for  a  very  early 
recommendation    of   my   undertaking   to   the    public. 
Dr.  Swift  promoted  my  interest  with  that  warmth  with 
which   he  always  serves  his  friend.       The   humanity 
and  frankness  of  Sir  Samuel  Garth  are  what  I  never 
knew  wanting  on  any  occasion.      I  nnist  also  acknowl- 
edge, with   infinite  pleasure,  the  many  friendly  oHiccs, 
as  well  as  sincere  criticisms,  of  Mr.  Congreve,  who  had 
led  me  the  way  in  translating  some  parts  of  Homer.     I 
must  add   the'  names  of   Mr.  Rowe,  and    Dr.  Paniell, 
though  I  shall  take  a  further  opportunity  of  doing  jus- 


58  PREFACE. 

tice  to  the  last,  whose  good  nature  (to  give  it  a  great 
panegyric),  is  no  less  extensive  than  his  learning.  The 
favor  of" these  gentlemen  is  not  entirely  nndeserved  by 
one  who  bears  them  so  true  an  affection.  But  what 
can  I  say  of  the  honor  so  many  of  the  great  have  done 
me,  while  the  first  names  of  the  age  appear  as  my  sub- 
scribers, and  the  most  distinguished  patrons  and  orna- 
ments of  learning  as  my  chief  encouragers?  Among 
these  it  is  a  particular  pleasure  to  me  to  find,  that  my 
highest  obligations  are  to  such  who  have  done  most 
honor  to  the  name  of  poet:  that  his  grace  the  Duke  of 
Buckingham  was  not  displeased  I  should  undertake  the 
author  to  whom  he  has  given  (in  his  excellent  Essay) 
so  complete  a  praise: 

"  Read  Homer  once,  and  you  can  read  no  more; 
For  all  books  else  appear  so  mean,  so  poor. 
Verse  will  seem  prose;  but  still  persist  to  read, 
And  Homer  will  be  all  the  books  you  need." 

That  the  Earl  of  Halifax  was  one  of  the  first  to  favor 
me;  of  whom  it  is  hard  to  say  whether  the  advancement 
of  the  polite  arts  is  more  owing  to  his  generosity  or  his 
example:  that  such  a  genius  as  my  Lord  Bolingbroke, 
not  more  distinguished  in  the  great  scenes  of  business, 
than  in  all  the  useful  and  entertaining  parts  of  learn- 
ing, has  not  refused  to  be  the  critic  of  these  sheets, 
and  the  patron  of  their  writer:  and  that  the  noble 
author  of  the  tragedy  of  "Heroic  Love"  has  continued 
his  partiality  to  me,  from  my  writing  pastorals  to  my 
attempting  the  Iliad.  I  cannot  deny  myself  the  pride 
of  confessing,  that  I  have  had  the  advantage  not  only 
of  their  advice  for  the  conduct  in  general,  but  their 
correction  of  several  particulars  of  this  translation. 

I  could  say  a  great  deal  of  the  pleasure  of  being  dis- 
tinguished by  the  Earl  of  Carnarvon;  but  it  is  almost 
absurd  to  particularize  any  one  generous  action  in  a 
person  whose  whole  life  is  a  continued  series  of  them. 
Mr.  Stanhope,  the  present  secretary  of  state,  will  par- 
don my  desire  of  having  it  known  that  he  was  pleased 
to  promote  this  a^air.  The  particular  zeal  of  Mr.  Har- 
court  (the  son  of  the  late  Lord  Chancellor)  gave  me  a 
proof  how  much  I  am  honored  in  a  share  of  his  friend- 
ship. I  must  attribute  to  the  same  motive  that  of  sev- 
eral others  of  my  friends :  to  whom  all  acknowledgments 
are  rendered  unnecessary  by  the  privileges  of  a  familiar 


PREFACE.  69 

correspondence;  and  I  am  satisfied  I  can  no  way  better 
oblige  men  of  tlieir  turn  than  by  my  silence. 

In  short,  I  have  found  more  patrons  than  ever  Homer 
wanteL  He  would  have  thought  himself  happy  to 
have  met  the  same  favor  at  Athens  that  has  been  shown 
me  by  its  learned  rival,  the  University  of  Oxford.  And 
I  can  hardly  envy  him  those  pompous  honors  he  re- 
ceived after  death,  when  I  reflect  on  the  enjoyment  of 
so  many  agreeable  obligations,  and  easy  friendships, 
which  make  the  satisfaction  of  life.  This  distinction 
is  the  more  to  be  acknowledged,  as  it  is  shown  to  one 
whose  pen  has  never  gratified  the  prejudices  of  particu- 
lar parties,  or  the  vanities  of  particular  men.  What- 
ever the  success  may  prove,  I  shall  never  repent  of  an 
undertaking  in  which  I  have  experienced  the  candor 
and  friendship  of  so  many  persons  of  merit;  and  in 
which  I  hope  to  pass  some  of  those  years  of  youth  that 
are  generally  lost  in  a  circle  of  follies,  after  a  manner 
neither  wholly  uuuseful  to  others  nor  disagreeable  to 
myself. 


THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  I. 

AEGUMENT.* 

THE   CONTENTION   OF   ACHILLES   AND   AGAMEMNON. 

In  the  war  of  Troy,  the  Greeks  Laving  sacked  some  of  the  neigh- 
boring towns,  and  taken  from  thence  two  beautiful  captives, 
Chryseis  and  BriseTs,  allotted  the  first  to  Agamemnon,  and 
the  last  to  Achilles.  Chryses,  the  father  of  Chryseis,  and 
priest  of  Apollo,  comes  to  the  Grecian  camp  to  ransom  her: 
with  which  the  action  of  the  poem  opens,  in  the  tenth  year 
of  the  siege.  The  priest  being  refused,  and  insolently  dis- 
missed by  Agamemnon,  entreats  for  vengeance  from  his  god; 
who  inflicts  a  pestilence  on  the  Greeks.  Achilles  calls  a 
council,  and  encourages  Chalcas  to  declare  the  cause  of  it; 
who  attributes  it  to  tlie  refusal  of  Chryseis.  The  king,  being 
obliged  to  send  back  his  captive,  enters  into  a  furious  contest 
with  Achilles,  which  Nestor  pacifies;  however,  as  he  had  the 
absolute  command  of  the  army,  he  seizes  on  Briseis  in  re- 
venge. Achilles  in  discontent  withdraws  himself  and  his 
forces  from  the  rest  of  the  Greeks;  and  complaining  to 
Thetis,  she  supplicates  Jupiter  to  render  them  sensible  of  the 
wrong  don(!  to  her  son,  by  giving  victory  to  the  Trojans. 
Jupiter,  granting  her  suit,  incenses  Juno;  between  whom  the 
debate  runs  high,  till  they  are  reconciled  by  the  address  of 
Vulcan. 

The  time  of  twoand-twenty  days  is  taken  up  in  this  book; 
nine  during  the  plague,  one  in  tin?  council  and  quarrel  of  the 
princes,  and  twelve  for  Jui)iter's  slay  with  the  ^Tjthiopians, 
at  wliose  return  Thetis  prefers  her  jietition.  The  scene  lies 
in  the  Grecian  camp,  then  changes  to  C'hrysa,  and  lastly  to 
Olympus. 

Achilles'  wrath,  to  Greece  the  direful  spring 
Of  woes  uiinuniber'd,  hctiveiily  goddess,  sing! 
'i'liut  wrath  which  liui'lod  to  I'lnto's  gloomy  reign 
Tlio  rioiiLs  of  niiglity  chief.s  iintiiiicly  whiiii; 

*The  following  argument  of  the  Iliad,  corrected  in  a  few  par- 
ticulars, is  translated  from  Bitaul)e,  and  is,  ])erhapB,  the  neatest 
summary  tliat  lias  l>een  ever  drawn  up.  "  A  hero,  injured  by 
bis  general,  and  animated  with  u  noblt*  resentment,  retires  to  his 
tent;  and  for  a  Heason  witlidraws  liimself  and  his  troops  from  the 


62  THE  ILIAD. 

Whose  limbs  unbtiried  on  the  naked  shore, 
Devouring  dogs  and  hungry  vultures  tore:* 
Since  great  Achilles  and  Atrides  strove, 
Such  was  the  sovereign  doom,  and  such  the  will  of 
Jove!  f 

Declare,  0  Muse!  in  what  ill-fated  hour  J 
Sprung  the  fierce  strife,  from  what  offended  power 
Latona's  son  a  dire  contagion  spread, § 
And  heap'd  the  camp  with  mountains  of  the  dead: 
The  king  of  men  his  reverent  priest  defied, || 
And  for  the  king's  offense  the  people  died. 

For  Chryses  sought  with  costly  gifts  to  gain 
His  captive  daughter  from  the  victor's  chain. 

war.  During  this  interval,  victory  abandons  the  army,  wbicli  for 
nine  years  has  been  occupied  in  a  great  enterprise,  upon  the  suc- 
cessful termination  of  wliich  the  honor  of  their  country  depends. 
The  general,  at  length  opening  his  eyes  to  the  fault  which  he  had 
committed,  deputes  the  principal  officers  of  his  army  to  the  in- 
censed hero,  with  commission  to  make  compensation  for  the 
injury,  and  to  tender  magnificent  presents.  The  hero,  according 
to  the  proud  obstinacy  of  his  character,  persists  in  his  animosity; 
the  army  is  again  defeated,  and  is  cm  the  verge  of  entire  destruc- 
tion. This  inexorable  man  has  a  friend;  this  friend  weeps  before 
him,  and  asks  for  the  hero's  arms,  and  for  permission  to  goto  the 
war  in  his  stead.  The  eloquence  of  friendship  prevails  more  than 
the  intercession  of  the  ambassadors  or  the  gifts  of  the  general. 
He  lends  his  armor  to  his  friend,  but  commands  him  not  to  engage 
with  the  chief  of  the  enemy's  army,  because  he  reserves  to  him- 
self the  honor  of  that  combat,  and  because  he  -also  fears  for  his 
friend's  life.  The  prohibition  is  forgotten;  the  friend  listens  to 
nothing  but  his  courage;  his  corpse  is  brought  back  to  the  hero, 
and  the  hero's  arms  become  the  prize  of  the  conqueror.  Then  the 
hero,  given  up  to  the  most  lively  despair,  prepares  to  fight;  he 
receives  from  a  divinity  new  armor;  is  reconciled  with  his  general; 
and,  thirsting  for  glory  and  revenge,  enacts  prodigies  of  valor; 
recovers  the  victory;  slays  the  enemy's  chief;  honors  his  friend  with 
superb  funeral  rites;  and  exercises  a  cruel  vengeance  on  the  body 
of  his  destroyer;  but  finally,  appeased  by  the  tears  and  prayers  of 
the  father  of  the  slain  warrior,  restores  to  the  old  man  the  corpse 
of  his  son,  which  he  buries  with  due  solemnities." — Coleridge, 
p.  177,  sqq, 

*  Vultures.  Pope  is  more  accurate  than  the  poet  he  translates; 
for  Homer  writes  "  a  prey  to  dogs  and  to  all  kinds  of  birds."  But 
all  kinds  of  birds  are  not  carnivorous. 

\  I.  e.  during  the  whole  time  of  their  striving  the  will  of  Jove 
was  being  gradually  accomplished. 

X  Compare  Milton's  "  Paradise  Lost,"  i.  G: 

"  Sing,  heavenly  Muse,  that  on  the  sacred  top 
Of  Horeb,  or  of  Sinai,  didst  inspire 
That  shepherd." 
%  Latona's  son:  i.  e.  Apollo.  \  Kinf/  of  men:  Agamemnon. 


THE  ILIAD.  63 

Suppliant  the  venerable  father  stands; 
Apollo's  awful  ensigns  grace  his  hands: 
By  these  he  begs;  and  lowly  bending  down, 
Extends  the  scepter  and  the  laurel  crown. 
He  sued  to  all,  but  chief  implored  for  grace 
The  brother-kings,  of  Atreus'  royal  race.* 

"Ye  kings  and  warriors!  may  yonr  vows  be  crowned 
And  Troy's  proud  walls  lie  level  with  the  ground. 
May  Jove  restore  you  when  your  toils  are  o'er 
—  Safe  to  the  pleasures  of  your  native  shore. 
But,  oh!  relieve  a  wretched  parent's  pain, 
And  give  Chryseis  to  tiiese  ar]ns  again; 
If  mercy  fail,  yet  let  my  presents  move, 
And  dread  avenging  Phoebus,  son  of  Jove." 

The  Greeks  in  shouts  their  joint  asseut  declare, 
The  priest  to  reverence,  and  release  the  fair. 
Not  so  Atrides:  he,  with  kingly  pride. 
Repulsed  the  sacred  sire,  and  thus  replied: 

"Hence  on  thy  life,  and  tly  these  hostile  plains, 
Nor  ask,  presumptuous,  what  the  king  detains: 
Hence,  with  thy  laurel  crown,  and  golden  rod; 
Nor  trust  too  far  those  ensigns  of  thy  god. 
Mine  is  thy  daughter,  priest,  and  shall  remain; 
And  prayers,  and  tears,  and  bribes,  shall  plead  in  vain 
Till  time  shall  rifle  every  youthful  grace. 
And  age  dismiss  her  froiji  my  cold  embrace. 
In  daily  labors  of  the  loom  employ'd. 
Or  doom'd  to  deck  the  bed  she  once  enjoy'd. 
Hence  then;  to  Argos  shall  the  maid  retire, 
Far  from  her  native  soil  or  weeping  sire." 

Tlio  tromljling  priest  along  tlie  shore  returned. 
And  in  the  anguish  of  a  father  mourn'd. 
Disconsolate,  not  daring  to  com])lain. 
Silent  he  wander'd  by  the  souiuling  main; 
Till,  safe  at  distance,  to  his  god  lie  prays, 
The  god  who  darts  arouiul  the  world  his  rays. 

"0  Smintheus!  sprung  from  fair  Latona's  line,f 

*  Urother  kinr/x:  Meiieliiiis  and  Afi^'aniciiinon. 

\  Smintlujis,  an  ei)itliot  tal<<>n  l'ri)rn  6jii'yOo?,  the  Phrygian 
name  for  a  mouse,  was  a])|)linil  to  Apullii  inr  liavinf^  put  an  end  to 
a  plague  of  mice  wLicli  liad  harassed  tliat  territory.  Strabo, 
however,  Hays,  that  when  the  Teiicri  were  migrating  from  Crete 
they  were  tohi  i)y  an  orach^  to  settle  in  tliat  phice,  where  tliey 
shouhl  not  be  attacked  by  the  original  inlialjitants  of  the  bind, 
and  thnt,  having   halted    fur   tlu!    night,  a  numljer  of   (icbl-niico 


64        ^  THE  ILIAD. 

"J'hou  guardian  power  of  Cilia  the  divine,* 

Thou  source  of  light!  whom  Tenedos  adores, 

And  whose  bright  presence  gilds  thy  Ohrysa's  shores 

If  e'er  with  wreaths  I  hung  thy  sacred  fane,f 

Or  fed  the  flames  with  fat  of  oxen  slain; 

God  of  the  silver  bow!  thy  shafts  employ, 

Evenge  thy  servant,  and  the  Greeks  destroy." 

Thus  Ohryses  pray'd:— the  favoring  power  attends. 
And  from  Olympus'  lofty  tops  descends. 
Bent  was  his  bow,  the  Grecian  hearts  to  wound; J 
Fierce  as  he  moved,  his  silver  shafts  resound. 
Breathing  revenge,  a  sudden  night  he  spread, 
And  gloomy  darkness  roU'd  about  his  head. 
The  fleet  in  view,  he  twang'd  his  deadly  bow, 
And  hissing  fly  the  feather'd  fates  below. 
On  mules  and  dogs  the  infection  first  began  ;§ 

came  and  gnawed  away  the  leatbern  straps  of  their  baggage,  and 
thongs  of  their  armor.  In  fiilfilhnent  of  the  oracle,  they  settled 
on  the  spot,  and  raised  a  temple  to  Sminthean  Apollo.  Grote, 
"  History  of  (Treece,"  i.  p.  68,  remarks  that  the  "  worship  of 
Sminthean  Apollo,  in  various  parts  of  the  Troad  and  its  neighbor- 
ing territory,  dates  before  the  earliest  period  of  ^Eolian  coloniza- 
tion." 

*  Cilia,  a  town   of   Troas  near   Thebe,  so  called  from  Cillus,  a 
sister  of  Hippodaniia,  slain  by  (Enomaus. 

f  x\  mistake.     It  should  be, 

"  If  e'er  I  roofed  thy  graceful  fane." 
for  the  custom  of  decorating  temples  with  garlands  was  of  later 
date. 

X  Bent  teas  7iis  bow.  "  The  Apollo  of  Homer,  it  must  be  borne 
in  mind,  is  a  different  character  from  the  deity  of  the  same  name 
in  the  later  classical  pantheon.  Throughout  both  poems,  all 
deaths  from  unforeseen  or  invisible  causes,  the  ravages  of  pesti- 
lence, the  fate  of  the  young  child  or  promising  adult,  cut  off  in 
the  germ  of  infancy  or  flower  of  youth,  of  the  old  man  dropping 
peacefully  into  the  grave,  or  of  the  reckless  sinner  suddenly 
checked  in  his  career  of  crime,  are  ascribed  to  the  arrows  of 
Apollo  or  Diana.  The  oracular  functions  of  the  god  rose  naturally 
out  of  the  above  fundamental  attributes;  for  who  could  more  ap- 
propriately impart  to  mortals  what  little  foreknowledge  Fate  per- 
mitted of  her  decrees  than  the  agent  of  her  most  awful  dispensa- 
tions ?  The  close  union  of  the  arts  of  prophecy  and  song  explains 
his  additional  office  of  god  of  music,  while  tbearrows  with  which 
he  and  his  sister  were  armed,  symbols  of  sudden  death  in  every 
age,  no  less  naturally  procured  him  that  of  god  of  archery.  Of 
any  connection  between  Apollo  and  the  Sun,  whatever  may  have 
exi.sted  in  the  more  esoteric  doctrine  of  the  Greek  sanctuaries, 
tliere  is  no  trace  in  either  Iliad  or  Odyssey."— Mure,  "  History  of 
Greek  Literature,"  vol.  i.  p.  478,  sq. 

§  It  has  frequently  been  observed,  that  most  pestilence  begins 
with  animals,  and  that  Homer  had  this  fact  in  mind. 


THE  ILIAD.  65 

And  last,  the  vengeful  arrows  fix'd  in  man. 
For  nine  long  nights,  through  all  the  dusky  air, 
The  pyres,  thick-flaming,  shot  a  dismal  glare. 
But  ere  the  tenth  revolving  day  was  run, 
Inspired  by  Juno,  Thetis'  godlike  son 
Convened  to  council  all  the  Grecian  train; 
For  much  the  goddess  mourn'd  her  heroes  slain.* 
The  assembly  seated,  rising  o'er  the  rest, 
Achilles  thus  the  king  of  men  address'd: 

"Why  leave  we  not  the  fatal  Trojan  shore. 
And  measure  back  the  seas  we  cross'd  before? 
The  plague  destroying  wliom  the  sword  would  spare. 
'Tis  time  to  save  the  few  remains  of  war. 
But  let  some  prophet,  or  some  sacred  sage. 
Explore  the  cause  of  great  Apollo's  rage; 
Or  learn  the  wasteful  vengeance  to  remove 
By  mystic  dreams,  for  dreams  descend  from  Jove.f 
If  broken  vows'this  heavy  curse  have  laid, 
Let  altars  smoke,  and  hecatombs  be  paid. 
So  Heaven,  atoned,  shall  dying  Greee  restore. 
And  Phfjebus  dart  his  burning  shafts  no  more." 

He  said  and  sat:  when  Chalcas  thus  replied; 
Chalcas  the  wise,  the  Grecian  priest  and  guide, 
That  sacred  seer,  whose  comprehensive  view, 
The  past,  the  present,  and  the  future  knew: 
Uprising  slow,  the  venerable  sage 
Thus  spoke  the  prudence  and  the  fears  of  age: 

"Beloved  of  Jove,  AchillesI  would'st  thou  know 
Why  angry  Pha-bus  bends  his  fatal  bow? 
First  give  tliy  faith,  and  plight  a  prince's  word 
Of  sure  protection,  by  thy  power  and  sword: 
For  I  must  speak  what  wisdom  would  conceal, 
And  truths,  invidious  to  the  great,  reveal. 
Bold  is  the  task,  when  subjects,  grown  too  wise, 
Instruct  a  monarch  where  his  error  lies; 

*  Convenfd  to  coiniril.  Tlio  pul)lic  assembly  in  tlie  heroic 
times  is  well  characterized  by  CJrote,  vol.  ii.  p.  92:  "  It  is  an  as- 
sembly for  talk.  Communication  and  discussion,  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent by  the  chiefs  in  person,  of  the  people  as  listeners  and  symjja- 
thizers — often  for  elo(|uence,  and  sometimes  for  quarrel — but  here 
its  ostensible  y)tirposes  ends." 

fold  Jacob  Dupfyrt,  whose  "  (Jnoniolopia  Ilomerica  "  is  full  of 
curious  and  us<'ful  tliiiifrs,  f|uotes  several  jiassa^es  of  the  ancients, 
in  which  reference  is  made  to  these  words  of  Iloujer,  in  main- 
tenance of  the  belief  that  dreams  bad  a  divine  origin  and  an  im- 
port in  which  men  were  interested. 


66  THE  ILIAD. 

For  thougli  wc  deem  the  short-lived  fnry  past, 
'Tis  sure  the  mighty  will  revenge  at  last." 
To  wliom  Pelides:— "From  thy  inmost  soul 
Speak  what  thon  know'st,  and  speak  without  control. 
E'en  by  that  god  I  swear  who  rules  the  day, 
To  whom  thy  hands  the  vows  of  Greece  convey, 
And  whose  bless'd  oracles  thy  lips  declare; 
Long  as  Achilles  breathes  this  vital  air, 
No  daring  Greek,  of  all  the  numerous  band, 
Against  his  priest  shall  lift  an  impious  hand; 
Not  e'en  the  chief  by  whonj  our  hosts  are  led. 
The  king  of  kings,  shall  touch  that  sacred  head." 

Encouraged  thus,  the  blameless  man  replies: 
"Nor  vows  unpaid,  nor  slighted  sacrifice. 
But  he,  our  chief,  provoked  the  raging  pest, 
Apollo's  vengeance  for  his  injured  priest. 
Nor  will  the  god's  awaken 'd  fury  cease. 
But  plagues  shall  sjiread,  and  funeral  fires  increase. 
Till  the  great  king,  without  a  ransom  paid, 
To  her  own  Chrysa  send  the  black-eyed  maid.* 
Perhaps,  with  added  sacrifice  and  prayer. 
The  priest  may  pardon,  and  the  god  may  spare." 

The  prophet  spoke:  when  with  a  gloomy  frown 
The  monarch  started  from  his  shining  throne; 
Black  choler  fili'd  his  breast  that  boil'd  with  ire, 
And  from  his  eyeballs  flash'd  the  living  fire: 
"Augur  accursed!  denouncing  mischief  still, 
Prophet  of  plagues,  forever  boding  ill! 
Still  must  that  tongue  some  wounding  message  bring, 
And  still  thy  priestly  pride  provoke  thy  king? 
For  this  are  Phoebus'  oracles  explored. 
To  teach  the  Greeks  to  murmur  at  their  lord? 
For  this  with  falsehood  is  my  honor  stained, 
Is  heaven  offendjed,  and  a  priest  profaned; 
Because  my  prize,  my  beauteous  maid,  I  hold, 
And  heavenly  charms  prefer  to  profEer'd  gold? 
A  maid  unmatch'd  in  manners  as  in  face, 
Skill'd  in  each  art,  and  crown'd  with  every  grace; 
Not  half  so  dear  were  Clytremnestra's  charms, 
When  first  her  blooming  beauties  bless'd  my  arms. 
Yet,  if  the  gods  demand  her,  let  her  sail; 
Our  cares  are  only  for  the  public  weal: 
Let  me  be  deem'd  the  hateful  cause  of  all, 
And  suffer,    rather  than  my  people  fall. 

*  Rather,  "  briglit-eyed  "     See  tlie  German  critics   quoted  by 
Arnold. 


THE  ILIAD.  67 

The  prize,  the  beauteons  prize,  I  will  resign, 

So  dearly  valued,  and  so  justly  mine. 

But  since  for  common  good  I  yield  the  fair. 

My  private  loss  let  grateful  Greece  repair; 

Nor  unrewarded  let  your  prince  complain. 

That  he  alone  has  fonght  and  bled  in  vain." 

"Insatiate  king  (Achilles  thus  replies), 

Fond  of  the  power,  but  fonder  of  the  prize! 

Would'st  thou  the   Greeks   their  lawful  prey  shonld 

yield. 
The  due  reward  of  many  a  well-fought  field? 

The  spoils  of  cities  razed  and  warriors  slain, 
We  share  with  justice,  as  with  toil  we  gain; 
But  to  resume  whate'er  thy  avarice  craves 
(That  trick  of  tyrants)  may  be  borne  by  slaves. 
Yet  if  our  chief  for  plunder  only  fight, 
The  spoils  of  Ilion  shall  thy  loss  requite. 
Whene'er,  by  Jove's  decree,  our  conquering  powers 
Shall  humble  to  the  dust  her  lofty  towers." 

Then  thus  the  king:  "Shall  I  my  prize  resign 
With  tame  content,  and  thou  possess'd  of  thine? 
Great  as  thou  art,  and  like  a  god  in  fight. 
Think  not  to  rob  me  of  a  soldier's  right. 
At  thy  demand  shall  I  restore  the  maid: 
First  let  the  just  equivalent  be  paid; 
Such  as  a  king  might  ask;  and  let  it  be 
A  treasure  worthy  her,  and  worthy  me. 
Or  grant  me  this,  or  with  a  monarch's  claim 
This  hand  shall  seize  some  other  captive  dame. 
The  mighty  Ajax  shall  his  prize  resign;* 
Ulysses'  spoils,  or  even  thy  own,  be  mine. 
The  man  who  suffers,  loudly  nuiy  complain; 
And  rage  he  may,  but  he  shall  rage  in  vain. 
But  this  when  time  requires. — It  now  remains 
We  launch  a  bark  to  plow  the  watery  plains, 
And  waft  the  sacrifice  to  Clirysa's  shores. 
With  chosen  pilots,  and  with  laboring  oars. 
Soon  shall  the  fair  the  sable  ship  ascend, 
An<]  some  deputed  prince  the  charge  attend: 
This  Greta's  king,  or  Ajax  shall  fulfill, 
Or  wise  Ulysses  see  performed  our  will; 
Or,  if  our  royal  pleasure  shall  ordain, 
A<;liilles'  self  conduct  her  o'er  the  main; 

*  The  prize  given  to  Ajax  was  Tecinewsa,  while  Ulysses  received 
Liiodice,  the  daughter  of  Cycuus, 


G8  THE  ILIAD. 

Let  fierce  Achilles,  dreadful  in  his  rage, 
The  god  propitiate,  and  the  pest  assuage." 

At  this,  Pelides,  frowning  stern,  replied: 
"0  tyrant,  arm'd  with  insolence  and  pride! 
Inglorious  slave  to  interest,  ever  join'd 
With  fraud,  unworthy  of  a  royal  mind! 
What  generous  Greek,  obedient  to  thy  word, 
Shall  form  an  amhush,  or  shall  lift  the  sword? 
What  cause  have  I  to  war  at  thy  decree? 
The  distant  Trojans  never  injured  me; 
To  Pythia's  realms  no  hostile  troops  they  led: 
Safe  in  her  vales  my  warlike  coursers  fed; 
Far  hence  removed,  the  hoarse-resounding  main, 
And  walls  of  rocks,  secure  my  native  reign, 
Whose  fruitful  soil  luxuriant  harvests  grace, 
Rich  in  her  fruits,  and  in  her  martial  race. 
Hither  we  sail'd,  a  voluntary  throng, 
To  avenge  a  private,  not  a  public  wrong: 
What  else  to  Troy  the  assembled  nations  draws, 
But  thine^  ungrateful,  and  thy  brother's  cause? 
Is  this  the  pay  our  blood  and  toils  deserve; 
Disgraced  and  injured  by  the  man  we  serve? 
And  darest  thou  threat  to  snatch  my  prize  away, 
Due  to  the  deeds  of  many  a  dreadful  day? 
A  prize  as  small,  0  tyrant!  match'd  with  thine, 
As  thy  own  actions  if  compared  to  mine. 
Thine  in  each  conquest  is  the  wealthy  prey, 
Th  nigh  mine  the  sweat  and  danger  of  the  day. 
Some  trivial  present  to  my  shipsi  bear: 
Or  barren  praises  pay  the  wounds  of  war. 
But  now,  proud  monarch,  I'm  thy  slave  no  more; 
My  fleet  shall  waft  me  to  Thessalia's  shore: 
Left  by  Achilles  on  the  Trojan  plain, 
Wliat  spoils,  what  conquests,  shall  Atrides  gain?'* 

To  this  the  king:  "Fly,  mightv  warriors,  fly! 
Thy  aid  we  need  not,  and  thy  threats  defy. 
There  want  not  chiefs  in  such  a  cause  to  fight, 
And  Jove  himself  shall  guard  a  monarch's  right. 
Of  all  the  kings  (the  god's  distinguish'd  care) 
To  power  superior  none  such  hatred  bear; 
Strife  and  debate  thy  restless  soul  employ, 
And  wars  and  horrors  are  thy  savage  joy. 
If  thou  hast  strength,  'twas  Ileaven'that  strength  be- 

stow'd 
For  know,  vain  man!  thy  valor  is  from  God. 


THE  ILIAD.  69 

Haste,  launch  thy  vessels,  fly  with  speed  away; 

Eule  thy  own  realms  with  arbitrary  sway; 

I  heed  thee  not,  but  prize  at  equal  rate 

Thy  siiort-lived  friendship,  and  thy  groundless  hate. 

Go,  threat  thy  earth-born  Myrmidons: — but  here* 

'Tis  mine  to  threaten,  prince,  and  thine  to  fear. 

Know,  if  the  god  the  beauteous  dame  demand, 

My  hark  shall  waft  her  to  her  native  land; 

But  then  prepare,  imperious  prince!  prepare, 

Fierce  as  thou  art,  to  yield  thy  captive  fair: 

Even  in  thy  tent  I'll  seize  the  blooming  prize, 

Thy  loved  Briseis  with  the  radiant  eyes. 

Hence  shalt  thou  prove  my  might,  and  curse  the  hour 

Thou  stood'st  a  rival  of  imperial  power; 

And  hence,  to  all  our  hosts  it  shall  be  known, 

That  kings  are  subject  to  the  gods  alone." 

Achilles  heard,  with  grief  and  rage  oppress'd, 
Ilis  heart  swell'd  high,  and  labor'd  in  his  breast; 
J)istracting  thoughts  by  turns  his  bosom  ruled; 
Now  fired  by  wratli,  and  now  by  reason  cool'd: 
That  ])ronipts  his  hand  to  draw  the  deadly  sword. 
Force  through   the  Greeks,  and  pierce  their  haughty 

lord ; 
Tliis  whispers  soft  his  vengeance  to  control, 
And  calm  the  rising  tempest  of  his  soul. 
Just  as  in  anguish  of  suspense  he  stay'd, 
While  half  unsheathed  appear'd  the  glittering  blade, f 


*  The  Myrmidons  dwelt  on  the  southern  borders  of  Thessaly, 
and  took  their  oriirin  from  Myrmido,  son  of  Jupiter  and  Euryme- 
dusa.  It  is  fancifully  siiiyjiosed  that  the  name  was  derived  from 
//up//?/!,  an  aiit,  "  because  they  imitated  the  diligence  of  the 
ants,  and  like  them  were  indefatigable,  continually  employed  in 
cultivating  the  earth;  the  change  from  ants  to  men  is  founded 
merely  on  the  equivocation  of  their  name,  which  resembles  tiiat 
of  tlie  ant:  they  bore  a  further  resemblance  to  these  little 
aniniitls,  in  that  instead  of  inhabiting  towns  or  villages,  at  first 
they  commonly  resided  in  the  oi)en  fields,  having  nootherretrcats 
but  dens  and  tlie  cavities  of  trees,  until  Ithacus  brought  them  to- 
gether, and  settled  them  in  more  secure  and  comfortable  habita- 
tions."— Anthon's  "  Lempriere." 

f  Eustatbius,  after  Ileraclides  Ponticus  and  others,  allegorizes 
this  api)arilion,  as  if  tlie  apjiearance  of  Minerva  to  Achilles,  un- 
seen by  tlMf  rest,  was  inti-ndcd  to  point  out  th(!  sudden  recollection 
that  he  would  gain  notiiing  by  intemj)erate  wrath,  and  that  it  were 
Ijest  to  n-.'itrain  bis  anger,  and  only  gratify  it  by  withdrawing  his 
service.s.  Tlie  same  idea  is  rather  cleverly  worked  out  by 
Apuleius,  "  De  Deo  Socratis." 


•JO  THE  ILIAD. 

Minerva  swift  descended  from  above, 
Sent  by  tlie  sister  and  the  wife  of  Jove 
(For  both  the  princes  chiim'd  her  equal  care); 
Bebind  she  stood,  and  by  the  goklen  hair 
Achilles  seized;  to  him  alone  confess'd; 
A  sable  cloud  concealed  her  from  the  rest. 
He  sees,  and  sudden  to  the  goddess  cries, 
Known  by  the  flames  that  sparkle  from  her  eyes: 

"Descends  Minerva,  in  her  guardian  care, 
A  heavenly  witness  of  the  wrongs  I  bear 
From  Atreus'  son? — Then  let  those  eyes  that  view 
The  daring  crime,  behold  the  vengeance  too." 

"Forbear  (the  progeny  of  Jove  replies), 
To  calm  thy  fury  I  forsake  the  skies: 
Let  great  Achilles,  to  the  gods  resign'd. 
To  reason  yield  the  empire  o'er  his  mind. 
By  awful  Juno  this  command  is  given: 
The  king  and  you  are  both  the  care  of  heaven. 
The  force  of  keen  reproaches  let  him  feel; 
But  sheathe,  obedient,  thy  revenging  steel. 
For  I  pronounce  (and  trust  a  heavenly  power) 
Thy  injured  honor  has  its  fated  hour. 
When  the  proud  monarch  shall  thy  arms  implore, 
And  bribe  thy  friendship  with  a  boundless  store. 
Then  let  revenge  no  longer  bear  the  sway; 
Command  thy  passions,  and  the  gods  obey." 

To  her  Pelides: — "With  regardful  ear, 
'Tis  just,  0  goddess!  I  thy  dictates  hear. 
Hard  as  it  is,  my  vengeance  I  suppress: 
Those  who  revere  the  gods  the  gods  will  bless." 
He  said,  observant  of  the  bine-eyed  maid: 
Then  in  the  sheath  return'd  the  shining  blade. 
The  goddess  swift  to  high  Olympus  flies. 
And  joins  the  sacred  senate  of  the  skies. 

Nor  yet  the  rage  his  boiling  breast  forsook, 
Which  thus  redoubling  on  Atrides  broke: 
"0  monster!  mix'd  of  insolence  and  fear, 
Thou  dog  in  forehead,  but  in  heart  a  deer! 
When  wert  thou  known  in  ambush'd  fights  to  dare, 
Or  nobly  face,  the  horrid  front  of  Avar? 
Tis  ours,  the  chance  of  fighting  fields  to  try; 
Thine  tu  look  on,  and  bid  the  valiant  die: 
So  much  'tis  safer  through  the  camp  to  go, 
And  rob  a  subject,  than  despoil  a  foe. 


THE  ILIAD.  71 

Scourge  of  thy  people,  violent  and  base! 

Sent  in  Jove's  anger  on  a  slavish  race; 

Who,  lost  to  sense  of  generous  freedom  past, 

Are  tamed  to  wrongs; — or  this  had  been  thy  last. 

Now  by  this  sacred  scepter  hear  me  swear, 

Which'never  more  shall  leaves  or  blossoms  bear, 

Which  sever'd  from  the  trunk  (as  I  from  thee) 

On  the  bare  mountains  left  its  parent  tree; 

This  scepter,  foi-m'd  by  temper'd  steel  to  prove 

An  ensign  of  the  delegates  of  Jove, 

From  whom  the  power  of  laws  and  justice  springs 

(Tremendous  oath!  inviolate  to  kings); 

By  this  I  swear:— when  bleeding  Greece  again 

Shall  call  Achilles,  she  shall  call  in  vain. 

When,  flush'd  with  slaughter.  Hector  comes  to  spread 

The  purpled  shore  with  mountains  of  the  dead, 

Then  shalt  thou  mourn  the  affront  thy  madness  gave, 

Forced  to  implore  when  impotent  to  save: 

Then  rage  in  bitterness  of  soul  to  know 

This  act  has  made  the  bravest  Greek  thy  foe." 

He  spoke;  and  furious  hurl'd  against  the  ground 
His  scepter  starr'd  with  golden  studs  around: 
Then  sternly  silent  sat.     With  like  disdain 
The  raging  king  return'd  his  frowns  again. 

To  calm  their  passion  with  the  words  of  age, 
Slow  from  his  seat  arose  the  Pylian  sage, 
Experienced  Xestor,  in  persuasion  skill'd: 
Words,  sweet  as  honey,  from  his  lips  distill'd:* 
Two  generations  now  had  pass'd  away. 
Wise  by  his  rules,  and  happy  by  his  sway; 
Two  ages  o'er  his  native  realm  he  reign'd, 
An<l  now  the  example  of  the  tliird  reniain'd. 
All  view'd  with  awe  the  venerable  man; 
Who  thus  with  mild  benevolence  began: — 

"What  shame,  wliat  woe  is  this  to  Greecel  what  joy 
To  Troy's  proud  monarch,  and  the  friends  of  Troy! 
That  adverse  gods  commit  to  stern  debate 
The  best,  the  bravest,  of  the  Grecian  state. 
Young  as  ye  are,  this  youthful  heat  restrain. 
Nor  think  your  Nestor's  years  and  wisdom  vain. 

*  Compare  Milton,  "  Paradise  Lost,"  bk.  ii. : 

"  Tliougb  bis  tongue 
Dropp'd  manna." 
So  Proverbs,  v.  'd,  "  For  tbe  lips  of  a  strange  woman  drop  as    an 
honeycomb." 


72  THE  ILIAD. 

A  godlike  race  of  heroes  once  I  knew, 

Such  as  no  more  these  aged  eyes  sliall  view! 

Lives  tliere  a  chief  to  match  Pirithous'  fame, 

Dryas  the  bold,  or  Ceneus'  deathless  name; 

Theseus,  endued  witii  more  than  mortal  might, 

Or  Polyphemus,  like  the  gods  in  fight? 

AVith  these  of  old,  to  toils  of  battle  bred. 

In  early  youth  my  hardy  days  I  led; 

Fired  with  the  thirst  which  virtuous  envy  breeds, 

And  sniit  witli  love  of  honorable  deeds. 

Strongest  of  men,  they  pierced  the  mountain  boar, 

Ranged  the  wild  deserts  red  with  monsters'  gore, 

And  from  their  hills  the  shaggy  Centaurs  tore: 

Yet  these  with  soft  persuasive  arts  I  sway'd; 

When  Nestor  spoke,  they  listeu'd  and  obey'd. 

If  in  my  youth,  even  these  esteem'd  me  wise; 

Do  you,  young  warriors,  hear  my  age  advise. 

Atrides,  seize  not  on  the  beauteous  slave; 

That  prize  the  Greeks  by  common  suffrage  gave: 

Nor  thou,  Achilles,  treat  our  prince  with  pride; 

Let  kings  bo  just,  and  sovereign  power  preside. 

Thee  the  first  honors  of  the  war  adorn, 

Like  gods  in  strength,  and  of  a  goddess  born; 

Him  awful  majesty  exalts  above 

The  powers  of  earth,  and  sceptred  sons  of  Jove. 

Let  both  unite  with  well-consenting  mind, 

So  shall  authority  with  strength  be  join'd. 

Leave  me,  0  king!  to  calm  Achilles'  rage; 

Rule  thou  thyself,  as  more  advanced  in  age. 

Forbid  it,  gods!  Achilles  should  be  lost. 

The  pride  of  Greece,  and  bulwark  of  our  host." 

This  said,  he  ceased.     The  king  of  men  replies: 
"Thy  years  are  awful,  and  thy  words  are  wise. 
But  that  imperious,  that  unconquer'd  soul, 
No  laws  can  limit,  no  respect  control. 
Before  his  pride  must  his  superiors  fall; 
His  word  the  law,  and  he  the  lord  of  all? 
Him  must  our  hosts,  our  chiefs,  ourself  obey? 
What  king  can  bear  a  rival  in  his  sway? 
Grant  that  the  gods  his  matchless  force  have  given, 
Has  foul  reproach  a  privilege  from  heaven?" — 

Here  on  the  monarch's  speech  Achilles  broke, 
And  furious,  thus,  and  interrupting  spoke; 
"Tyrant,  I  well  deserved  thy  galling  chain. 
To  live  thy  slave,  and  still  to  serve  in  vain. 


TEE  ILIAD.  73 

Should  I  submit  to  each  unjust  decree: — 

Command  thy  vassals,  but  command  not  me. 

Seize  on  Briseis,  whom  the  Grecians  doom'd 

My  prize  of  war,  yet  tamely  see  resumed; 

And  seize  secure;  no  more  Achilles  draws 

His  conquering  sword  in  any  woman's  cause. 

The  gods  command  me  to  forgive  the  past: 

But  let  this  first  invasion  be  the  last: 

For  know,  thy  blood,  when  next  thou  darest  invade, 

Shall  stream  m  vengeance  on  my  reeking  blade." 

At  this  they  ceased:  the  stern  debate  expired; 
The  chiefs  in  sullen  majesty  retired. 

Achilles  with  Patroclus  took  his  way 
Where  near  his  tents  his  hollow  vessels  lay. 
Meantime  Atrides  launch'd  with  numerous  oars 
A  well-rigg'd  ship  for  Chrysa's  sacred  shores; 
High  on  thti  deck  was  fair  Chrysei's  placed. 
And  sage  Ulysses  with  the  conduct  graced; 
Safe  in  her  sides  the  hecatomb  they  stow'd. 
Then  swiftly  sailing,  cut  the  liquid  road. 

The  host  to  expiate  next  the  king  prepares. 
With  pure  lustrations,  and  with  solemn  prayers. 
Wash'd  by  the  briny  wave,  the  pious  train* 
Are  cleansed;  and  cast  the  ablutions  in  the  main. 
Along  the  shore  whole  hecatombs  were  laid. 
And  bulls  and  goats  to  Phoebus'  altars  paid; 
The  sable  fumes  in  curling  spires  arise, 
And  waft  tlieir  grateful  odors  to  the  skies. 

The  army  thus  in  sacred  rites  engaged, 
Atrides  still  with  deep  resentmeiit  raged. 
To  wait  his  will  two  sacred  iieralds  stood, 
Talthybius  and  Eurybates  the  good. 
"Haste  to  the  fierce  Achilles'  tent  (he  cries), 
Thence  bear  Briseis  as  our  royal  prize; 
Submit  he  must;  or  if  they  will  not  part, 
Ourself  in  arms  shall  tear  her  from  his  heart." 

The  unwilling  heralds  act  their  lord's  commands, 
Pensive  they  walk  along  the  barren  sands; 
Arrived,  the  hero  in  his  tent  they  find, 
With  gloomy  aspect  on  liis  arm  reclined. 


*Salt  water  was  cbiefly  used  in  lustrations,  from  its  being  sup- 
posed to  possess  certain  fiery  ])articles.  Hence,  if  sea-water  could 
i»r)t  be  ol»tained,  sail  was  tlirown  into  tlie  fresli  water  to  Ije  iis«<l 
for  lustration.  Menar.der  in  Clem.  Alex.  vii.  p.  713,  vdart 
iTf(j  fjtpdvat,  fitfi(xXwv  aXa'i,  (pctnoii. 


n 


4  THE  ILIAD. 

At  awfnl  distance  long  they  silent  stand, 
Loath  to  advance,  and  speak  their  hard  command; 
Decent  confusion!     Tliis  the  godlike  man 
Perceived  and  thus  with  accent  mild  began: 

*'With  leave  and  honor  enter  our  abodes. 
Ye  sacred  ministers  of  men  and  gods!* 
I  know  your  message;  by  constraint  you  came; 
Not  you,  but  your  imperious  lord  I  blame. 
Patroclus,  haste,  the  fair  BriseTs  bring; 
Conduct  my  captive  to  the  haughty  king. 
But  witness,  heralds,  and  proclaim  my  vow, 
Witness  to  gods  above,  and  men  below ! 
But  first,  and  loudest,  to  your  prince  declare 
(That  lawless  tyrant  whose  commands  you  bear), 
Unmoved  as  death  Achilles  shall  remain, 
Though  prostrate  Greece  shall  bleed  at  every  vein; 
The  raging  chief  in  frantic  passion  lost, 
Blind  to  himself,  and  useless  to  his  host, 
Unskill'd  to  judge  the  future  by  the  past. 
In  blood  and  slaughter  shall  repent  at  last.' 

Patroclus  now  the  unwilling  beauty  brought; 
She,  in  soft  sorrows,  and  in  pensive  thought, 
Pass'd  silent,  as  the  heralds  held  her  hand. 
And  oft  look'd  back,  slow-moving  o'er  the  strand. 
Not  so  his  loss  the  fierce  Achilles  bore; 
But  sad,  retiring  to  the  sounding  shore. 
O'er  the  wild  margin  of  the  deep  he  hung. 
That  kindred  deep  from  whence  his  mother  sprung ;f 
There  bathed  in  tears  of  anger  and  disdain, 
Thus  loud  lamented  to  the  stormy  main: 

*The  persons  of  heralds  were  held  inviolable,  and  they  were  at 
liberty  to  travel  whither  they  would  without  fear  of  molestation. 
Pollux,  Onom.  viii.  p.  159.  The  office  was  generally  given  to  old 
men,  and  they  were  believed  to  be  under  the  especial  protection 
of  Jove  and  Mercury. 

f  His  mother,  Thetis,  the  daughter  of  Nereus  and  Doris,  who 
was  courted  by  Neptune  and  Jupiter.  When,  however,  it  was 
known  that  the  son  to  whom  she  would  give  birth  must  prove 
greater  than  his  fath(;r,  it  was  determined  to  wed  her  to  a  mortal, 
and  Peleus,  with  great  difficulty,  succeeded  in  obtaining  her 
hand,  as  she  eluded  him  by  assuming  various  forms.  Her 
children  were  all  destroyed  by  fire  through  her  attempts  to  see 
whether  they  were  immortal,  and  Achilles  would  have  shared 
the  same  fate  had  not  his  father  rescued  him.  She  afterwards 
rendered  him  invulnerable  by  plunging  him  into  tlie  waters  of 
the  Styx,  with  the  exception  of  that  part  of  the  lieel  by  which  she 
held  him.     Ilygin.  Fab.  54. 


THE  ILIAD.  75 

"0  parent  goddess!  since  in  early  bloom 
Thy  son  mnst  fall,  by  too  severe  a  doom; 
Sure  to  so  short  a  race  of  glory  born, 
Great  Jove  in  justice  should  this  span  adorn: 
Honor  and  fame  at  least  the  thuuderer  owed; 
And  ill  he  pays  the  promise  of  a  god, 
If  yon  proud  monarch  thus  thy  son  defies, 
Obscures  my  glories,  and  resumes  my  prize." 

Far  from  the  deep  recesses  of  the  main. 
Where  aged  Ocean  holds  his  watery  reign. 
The  goddess-mother  heard.     The  waves  divide; 
And  like  a  mist  she  rose  above  the  tide; 
Beheld  him  mourning  on  the  naked  shores, 
And  thus  the  sorrows  of  his  soul  explores. 
"Why  grieves  my  son?     Thy  anguish  let  me  share; 
Reveal  the  cause,  and  trust  a  parent's  care." 

He  deeply  sighing  said:  "To  tell  my  woe 
Is  but  to  mention  what  too  well  you  know. 
,  From  Thebe,  sacred  to  Apollo's  name* 
(Action's  realm),  our  conquering  army  came, 
With  treasure  loaded  and  triumphant  spoils. 
Whoso  just  division  crown'd  the  soldier's  toils; 
Bat  bright  ChryseTs,  heavenly  prize!  was  led, 
By  vote  selected,  to  the  general's  bed. 
The  priest  of  Phoebus  sought  by  gifts  to  gain 
His  beauteous  daughter  from  the  victor's  chain; 
The  fleet  he  reach'd,  and,  lowly  bending  down, 
Held  f(jrth  the  scepter  and  the  laurel  crown, 
Intreating  all;  but  chief  implored  for  grace 
The  brother-kings  of  Atreus'  royal  race: 
The  generous  Greeks  their  joint  consent  declare, 
The  priest  to  reverence,  and  release  the  fair; 
Not  so  Atrides:  he,  with  wonted  pride. 
The  sire  insulted,  and  his  gifts  denied: 
The  insulted  sire  (his  god's  peculiar  care) 
To  Phojbus  pray'd,  and  Thoibus  heard  the  prayer; 
A  dreadful  plague  ensues:  the  avenging  darts 
Incessant  fly,  and  pierce  the  Grecian  hearts. 
A  pro])het  then,  inspired  by  heaven,  arose, 
And  points  the  crime,  and  tiien(;e  derives  the  woes: 
Myself  the  first  the  assembled  chiefs  incline 
To  avert  the  vengeance  of  the  power  divine; 
Then  rising  in  his  wrath,  the  monarch  storm'd; 
Incensed  ho  threatcn'd,  and  his  threats  porforni'd: 


*  Thebe  was  a  city  of  Mysia,  north  of  Adraiiiytiiiiin. 


76  THE  ILIAD. 

The  fair  Chryseis  to  her  sire  was  sent, 
AVith  offer'd  gifts  to  make  tiie  god  relent; 
But  now  he  seized  Brisei's'  heavenly  charms, 
And  of  my  valor's  prize  defrauds  my  arms, 
Defrauds  the  votes  of  all  the  Grecian  train;* 
And  service,  faith,  and  justice,  plead  in  vain. 
But,  goddess!  thou  thy  suppliant  son  attend. 
To  high  Olympus'  shining  court  ascend, 
Urge  all  the  ties  to  former  service  owed. 
And  sue  for  vengeance  to  the  thundering  god. 
Oft  hast  thou  triumph'd  in  the  glorious  boast. 
That  thou  stood'st  forth  of  all  the  ethereal  host. 
When  bold  rebellion  shook  the  realms  above. 
The  undaunted  guard  of  cloud-compelling  Jove; 
When  the  bright  partner  of  his  awful  reign. 
The  warlike  maid,  and  monarch  of  the  main, 
The  traitor-gods,  by  mad  ambition  driven. 
Durst  threat  with  chains  the  omnipotence  of  Heaven, 
Then,  call'd  by  thee,  the  monster  Titan  came 
(Whom  gods  Briareus,  men  ^geon  name), 
Through  wondering  skies  enormous  stalk'd  along; 
Not  he  that  shakes  the  solid  earth  so  strong: 
With  giant-pride  at  Jove's  high  throne  he  stands, 
And  brandish'd  round  him  all  his  hundred  hands: 
The  affrighted  gods  confess'd  their  awful  lord, 
They  dropp'd  the  fetters,  trembled,  and  adored. f 
This,  goddess,  this  to  his  remembrance  call, 
Embrace  his  knees,  at  his  tribunal  fall; 
Conjure  him  far  to  drive  the  Grecian  train. 
To  hurl  them  headlong  to  their  fleet  and  main. 
To  heap  the  shores  with  copious  death,  and  bring 
The  Greeks  to  know  the  curse  of  such  a  king: 
Let  Agamemnon  lift  his  haughty  head 
O'er  all  his  wide  dominion  of  the  dead. 
And  mourn  in  blood  that  e'er  he  durst  disgrace 
The  boldest  warrior  of  the  Grecian  race." 
"Unhapy  son!  (fair  Thetis  thus  replies. 
While  tears  celestial  trickle  from  her  eyes) 


♦That  is.  defrauds  me  of  the  prize  allotted  me  by  their  votes 
_   t  Quintus  Calaber  goes  still  further  in  his  account  of   the  serv- 
ice rendert^d  to  Jove  by  Thetis: 

"  Nay,  more,  the  fetters  of  Almighty  Jove 
She  loosed."— Dyce's  "  Calaber,"  s.  58. 


THE  ILIAD.  77 

Why  have  I  borne  thee  with  a  mother's  throes 
To  Fates  averse,  and  nursed  for  future  woes?* 
So  short  a  space  the  light  of  heaven  to  view! 
So  short  a  space  I  and  fiU'd  with  sorrow  too! 
0  might  a  parent's  careful  wish  prevail, 
Far,  far  from  Ilion  should  thy  vessels  sail, 
And  thou,  from  camps  remote,  the  danger  shun 
Which  now,  alas  I  too  nearly  threats  my  sou. 
Yet  (what  I  can)  to  move  thy  suit  I'll  go 
To  great  Olympus  crown'd  with  fleecy  snow. 
Meantime,  secure  within  thy  ships,  from  far 
Behold  the  field,  nor  mingle  in  the  war. 
The  sire  of  gods  and  all  the  ethereal  train, 
On  the  warm  limits  of  the  farthest  main, 
Now  mix  with  mortals,  nor  disdain  to  grace 
The  feast  of  Ethiopia's  blameless  race;t 
Twelve  days  the  powers  indulge  the  genial  rite, 
Returning  with  the  twelfth  revolving  light. 
Then  will  I  mount  the  brazen  dome,  and  move 
The  high  tribunal  of  immortal  Jove." 

The  goddess  spoke:  the  rolling  waves  unclosed; 
Then  down  the  steep  she  plunged  from  whence  she 

rose, 
And  left  him  sorrowing  on  the  lonely  coast, 
In  wild  resentment  for  the  fair  he  lost. 

*  To  fates  averse.  Of  tbe  gloomy  destiny  reigning  tliroiighout 
the  Homeric  poems,  and  from  which  even  the  gods  are  not  exempt, 
Schlegel  well  observes:  "  This  power  extends  also  to  the  world 
of  gods;  for  the  Grecian  gods  are  mere  powers  of  nature;  and 
although  immeasurably  higher  than  mortal  man,  yet,  compared 
with  infinitude,  they  are  on  an  equal  footing  with  himself." — 
"  Lectures  on  the  Drama,"  v.  p.  67. 

f  It  has  been  observed,  that  the  annual  procession  of  the  sacred 
ship,  so  often  represented  on  Egyptian  monuments,  and  the  re- 
turn of  the  deity  from  Ethiopia  after  some  days'  absence,  serves 
to  show  the  Ethiopian  origin  of  Thebes,  and  of  the  worship  of 
Jupiter  Amnion.  "  I  think,"  says  Ileeren,  after  quoting  a  pas- 
sage from  Diodorus  about  the  holy  ship,  "  that  this  procession  is 
represented  in  one  of  the  great  sculptured  reliefs  on  the  temple 
of  Karnak.  The  sacred  ship  of  Ammon  is  on  the  sliore  with  its 
whole  equipment,  and  is  towed  along  by  another  boat.  It  is, 
therefore,  on  its  voyage.  This  must  have  been  one  of  the  most 
celebrated  festivals,  since,  even  according  to  the  inter7)retation  of 
antiquity.  Homer  alludes  to  it  when  lie  speaks  of  Jupiter's  visit 
to  the  Ethiopians,  and  his  twelve  days'  aJjsence." — Long, 
"  Egyi)tiaii  .■\nti(iuities,"  vol.  i.  y).  ()(!.  Eustatliius,  vol.  i.  j).  98, 
sq.  (ed.  Basil.)  gives  tliis  interpretation,  and  likewise  an  allegori- 
cal one,  which  we  will  si)are  the  reader. 


78  THE  ILIAD. 

In  Ohrysa's  port  now  sage  Ulysses  rode; 
Beneath  the  deck  the  destined  victims  stow'd: 
The  sails  they  furl'd,  they  lash  the  mast  aside. 
And  dropp'd  their  anchors,  and  the  pinnace  tied. 
Next  on  the  shore  their  hecatomb  they  land; 
Chryseis  last  descending  on  the  strand. 
Her,  thus  returning  from  the  farrow'd  main, 
Ulysses  led  to  Phoebus'  sacred  fane; 
"Where  at  his  solemn  altar,  as  the  maid 
He  gave  to  Chryses,  thus  the  hero  said: 

"Hail,  reverend  priesti  to  Phoebus'  awful  dome 
A  suppliant  I  from  great  Atrides  come: 
Unransom'd,  here  receive  the  spotless  fair; 
Accept  the  hecatomb  the  Greeks  prepare; 
And  may  thy  god  who  scatters  darts  around, 
Atoned  by  sacriince,  desist  to  wound."  * 

At  this,  the  sire  embraced  the  maid  again. 
So  sadly  lost,  so  lately  sought  in  vain. 
Then  near  the  altar  of  the  darting  king, 
Disposed  in  rank  their  hecatomb  they  bring; 
With  water  purify  their  hands,  and  take 
The  sacred  offering  of  the  salted  cake; 
While  thus  with  arms  devoutly  raised  in  air, 
And  solemn  voice,  the  priest  directs  his  prayer; 

"God  of  the  silver  bow,  thy  ear  incline, 
Whose  power  incircles  Cilia  tlie  divine; 
Whose  sacred  eye  thy  Tenedos  surveys. 
And  gilds  fair  Chrysa  with  distinguished  rays! 
If,  fired  to  vengeance  at  thy  priest's  request. 
Thy  direful  darts  inflict  the  raging  pest: 
Once  more  attend!  avert  the  wasteful  Avoe, 
And  smile  propitious,  and  unbend  thy  bow." 

So  Chryses  pray'd.     Apollo  heard  his  prayer: 
And  now  the  Greeks  their  hecatomb  prepare; 
Between  their  horns  the  salted  barley  threw. 
And,  with  their  heads  to  heaven,  the  victims  slew;t 

*  Atoned,  i.  e.,  reconciled.  This  is  the  proper  and  most  natural 
meaning  of  the  word,  as  may  be  seen  from  Taylor's  remarks  in 
Calmet's  Dictionary,  p.  110,  of  my  edition. 

f  That  is,  drawing  back  their  necks  while  they  cut  their  throats. 
"  If  the  sacrifice  was  in  honor  of  the  celestial  gods,  the  throat 
was  bent  upward  toward  heaven;  but  if  made  to  the  heroes,  or 
infernal  deities,  it  was  killed  with  its  throat  toward  the  ground." 
— "  Elgin  Marbles,"  vol.  i.  p.  81. 

"  The  jolly  crew,  unmindful  of  the  past, 
The  quarry  share,  their  plenteous  dinner  haste, 


THE  ILIAD.  79 

The  limbs  they  sever  from  the  inclosing  hide 
The  thiglis,  selected  to  the  gods,  divide: 
On  these,  in  double  canls  involved  with  art, 
The  choicest  morsels  lay  from  every  part. 
The  priest  himself  before  his  altar  stands, 
And  burns  the  offering  with  his  holy  hands. 
Pours  the  black  wine,  and  sees  the  flames  aspire; 
The  youth  with  instruments  surround  the  fire: 
The  thiglis  thus  sacrificed,  and  entrails  dress'd, 
The  assistants  part,  transfix,  and  roast  the  rest: 
Then  spread  the  tables,  the  repast  prepare; 
Each  takes  his  seat,  and  each  receives  his  share. 
AVhen  now  the  rage  of  huuger  was  repress'd, 
With  pure  libations  they  conclude  the  feast; 
The  youths  with  wine  the  copious  goolets  crown'd,*' 
And,  pleased,  dispense  the  flowing  bowls  around; 
With  hymns  divine  the  joyous  banquet  ends, 
The  pgeans  lengthen'd  till  the  sun  descends: 
Tlie  Greeks,  restored,  the  grateful  notes  prolong; 
Apollo  listens,  and  approves  the  song. 

'Twas  night;  the  chiefs  beside  their  vessel  lie, 
Till  rosy  morn  had  purpled  o'er  the  sky: 
Then  launch,  and  hoist  the  mast;  indulgent  gales, 
Supplied  by  Phoebus,  fill  the  swelling  sails; 
The  milk-white  canvas  bellying  as  they  blow, 
The  parted  ocean  foams  and  roars  below: 
Above  the  bounding  billows  swift  they  flew. 
Till  now  the  Grecian  camp  appear'd  in  view. 
Far  on  the  beach  they  haul  their  bark  to  land, 
(The  crooked  keel  divides  the  yellow  sand,) 
Then  part,  where  stretch'd  along  the  winding  bay, 
The  ships  and  tents  in  mingled  prospect  lay. 

But  raging  still,  amidst  his  navv  sat 
The  stern  Achilles,  steadfast  in  his  hate; 
Xor  raix'd  in  combat,  nor  in  council  join'd; 
liut  wasting  cares  lay  heavy  on  his  mind: 


Some  strip  the  skin;  some  portion  out  the  spoil; 
The  limbs  yet  trembliuf^,  in  the  caldrons  boil; 
Some  on  llie  fire  the  reeking  entrails  broil. 
Stretch'd  on  the  grassy  turf,  at  ease  they  dine, 
Restore  their  strength  with  meat,  and  cheer  their  souls  with 
wine." 

— Drydcn's  Virgil,  p.  293. 
*  Crown'd,  i.  e.  fill'd  to  the  brim.     The   custom   of   adorning 
goblets  with  tlowers  was  of  later  date. 


80  THE  ILIAD. 

In  his  black  thoughts  revenge  and  slaughter  roll, 
And  scenes  of  blood  rise  dreadful  in  his  soul. 

Twelve  days  were  past,  and  now  the  dawning  light 
The  gods  had  suninion'd  to  the  Olympian  height: 
Jove,  first  ascending  from  the  watery  bowers, 
Leads  the  long  order  of  ethereal  powers. 
When,  like  the  morning-mist  in  early  day, 
Rose  from  the  flood  the  daughter  of  the  sea; 
And  to  the  seats  divine  her  fliglit  address'd. 
There,  far  apart,  and  high  above  the  rest. 
The  thunderer  sat;  where  old  Olympus  shrouds 
His  hundred  heads  in  heaven,  and  props  the  clouds. 
Suppliant  the  goddess  stood:  one  hand  she  placed 
Beneath  his  beard,  and  one  his  knees  embraced. 
"If  e'er,  0  father  of  the  gods!  (she  said) 
My  words  could  please  thee,  or  my  actions  aid, 
Some  marks  of  honor  on  my  son  bestowed, 
And  pay  in  glory  what  in  life  you  owe. 
Fame  is  at  least  by  heavenly  promise  due 
To  life  so  short,  and  now  dishonor'd  too. 
Avenge  this  wrong,  0  ever  just  and  wise! 
Let  Greece  be  humbled,  and  the  Trojans  rise; 
Till  the  proud  king  and  all  the  Achaian  race 
Shall  heap  with  honors  him  they  now  disgrace." 

Thus  Thetis  spoke;  but  Jove  in  silence  held 
The  sacred  counsels  of  his  breast  conceal'd. 
Not  so  repulsed,  the  goddess  closer  press'd. 
Still  grasp'd  his  knees,  and  urged  the  dear  request. 
"0  sire  of  gods  and  men!  thy  suppliant  hear; 
Refuse,  or  grant;  for  what  Las  Jove  to  fear? 
Or  oh !  declare,  of  all  the  powers  above. 
Is  wretched  Thetis  least  the  care  of  Jove?*' 

She  said:  and,  sighing,  thus  the  god  replies, 
Who  rolls  the  thunder  o'er  the  vaulted  skies: 

"What  hast  thou  ask'd?  ah,  why  should  Jove  engage 
In  foreign  contests  and  domestic  rage. 
The  gods'  complaints,  and  Juno's  fierce  alarms, 
AVhile  I,  too  ])artial,  aid  the  Trojan  arms? 
Go,  lest  the  haughty  partner  of  my  sway 
With  jealous  eyes  thy  close  access  survey; 
But  part  in  peace,  secure  thy  prayer  is  sped: 
AVitness  the  sacred  honors  of  our  head, 
The  nod  that  ratifies  the  will  divine. 
The  faithful,  fix'd  irrevocable  sign; 


TEE  ILIAD.  81 

This  seals  thy  suit,  and  this  fulfills  thy  vows — " 
He  spoke,  aud  awful  bends  his  sable  brows,* 
Shakes  his  ambrosial  curls,  and  gives  the  nod, 
The  stamp  of  fate  and  sanction  of  the  god : 
High  heaven  with  trembling  the  dread  signal  took, 
And  all  Olympus  to  the  center  shook,  f 

Swift  to  the  seas  profound  the  goddess  flies, 
Jove  to  his  starry  mansions  in  the  skies. 
The  shining  synod  of  the  immortals  wait 
The  coming  god,  and  from  their  thrones  of  state 
Arising  silent,  wrapp'd  in  holy  fear, 
Before  the  majesty  of  heaven  appear. 
Trembling  they  stand,  while  Jove  assumes  the  throne, 
All,  but  tTie  god's  imperious  queen  alone: 
Late  had  she  view'd  tlie  silver-footed  dame, 
And  all  her  passions  kindled  into  flame. 
"Say,  artful  manager  of  heaven  (she  cries), 
Who  now  partakes  the  secrets  of  the  skies? 
Thy  Juno  knows  not  the  decrees  of  fate, 
In  vain  the  partner  of  imperial  state. 
AVhat  favorite  goddess  then  those  cares  divides. 
Which  Jove  in  prudence  from  his  consort  hides?" 

To  this  the  thunderer:  "Seek  not  thou  to  find 
The  sacred  counsels  of  almighty  mind: 
Involved  in  darkness  lies  the  great  decree, 
Xor  can  the  depths  of  fate  be  pierced  by  thee. 
What  fits  thy  knowledge,  thou  the  first  shalt  know; 
The  flrst  of  gods  above,  and  men  below; 
But  thou,  nor  they,  shall  searcii  the  thoughts  that  roll 
Deep  in  the  close  recesses  of  my  soul." 

Full  on  the  sire  the  goddess  of  the  skies, 
RoU'd  the  large  orbs  of  her  majestic  eyes, 

*  He  spoke,  etc.  "  When  a  friend  inquired  of  Phidias  from 
what  pattfrii  \w  liad  formed  his  Olympian  Jupiter,  he  is  said  to 
liave  answered  by  repeating  these  lines  of  the  tirst  Iliad  in  which 
the  poet  represents  the  majesty  of  the  god  in  the  most  sublime 
terms;  tliereby  signifying  that  the  genius  of  Homer  had  inspired 
liim  witli  it.  Tliose  who  beheld  this  statue  are  said  to  liave  been 
so  struck  witli  it  as  to  liave  asked  wliether  Jiijiiter  had  descended 
from  heaven  to  shr)w  himself  to  i'hidias,  or  wliether  I'liidias  had 
been  carried  thither  to  contemplate  the  god." — "  Elgin  Marbles," 
vol.  xii.  p.  124. 

f  "  So  was  his  will 
Pronounced  among  the  gods,  and  hy  an  oath. 
That  shook  heav'n's  whoh;  circumft-rence,  confirm'd." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  ii.  351. 


'9 
5J 


82  THE  ILIAD. 

And  thus  returuVl: — "Austere  Saturni.us,  say, 
From  whence  this  wrath,  or  who  controls  tliy  sway? 
Thy  boundless  will,  for  me,  remains  in  force, 
And  all  thy  counsels  take  the  destined  course. 
But  'tis  for  Greece  I  fear:  for  late  was  seen, 
In  close  consult,  the  silver-footed  queen. 
Jove  to  his  Thetis  nothing  could  deny, 
Nor  was  the  signal  vain  that  shook  the  sky. 
What  fatal  favor  has  the  goddess  won, 
To  grace  her  fierce,  inexorable  son? 
Perhaps  in  Grecian  blood  to  drench  the  plain, 
And  glut  his  vengeance  with  my  people  slain. 

Then  thus  the  god:  "0  restless  fate  of  pride. 
That  strives  to  learn  what  heaven  resolves  to  hide, 
Vain  is  the  search,  presumptuous  and  abhorr'd, 
Anxious  to  thee,  and  odious  to  thy  lord. 
Let  this  suffice:  the  immutable  decree 
No  force  can  siiake:  what  is,  that  ought  to  be. 
Goddess,  submit;  nor  dare  our  will  withstand, 
But  dread  the  power  of  this  avenging  hand: 
The  united  strength  of  all  the  gods  above 
In  vain  resists  the  omnipotence  of  Jove." 

The  thunderer  spoke,  nor  durst  the  queen  reply, 
A  reTerent  horror  silenced  all  the  sky. 
The  feast  distnrb'd,  with  sorrow  Vulcan  saw 
His  mother  menaced,  and  the  gods  in  awe; 
Peace  at  his  heart,  and  pleasure  his  design. 
Thus  interposed  the  architect  divine: 
"The  wretched  quarrels  of  the  mortal  state 
Are  far  unworthy,  gods!  of  your  debate: 
Let  men  their  days  in  senseless  strife  employ, 
We,  in  eternal  peace  and  constant  joy. 
Thou,  goddess-mother,  with  our  sire  comply, 
Nor  break  the  sacred  union  of  the  sky: 
Lest,  roused  to  rage,  he  shake  the  bless'd  abodes. 
Launch  tiie  red  lightning,  and  detlfrone  the  gods. 
If  you  submit,  the  tlmnderer  stands  appeased; 
The  gracious  power  is  v/illing  to  be  pleased." 

Thus  Vulcan  spoke:  and  rising  with  a  bound, 
The  double  bowl  with  sparkling  nectar  crown'd,* 
Wliich  held  to  Juno  in  a  cheerful  way, 
"Goddess  (he  cried),  be  patient  and  obey. 

*  A  double  howl,  i.  e. ,  a  vessel  with  a  cup  at  both  ends,  some- 
thing  like  the  measures  by  which  a  halfpenny  or  pennyworth  of 
nuts  is  sold.     See  Buttmaun,  Lexic,  p.  93,  sq. 


THE  ILIAD.  83 

Dear  as  you  are,  if  Jove  his  arm  extend, 

I  cau  but  grieve,  unable  to  defend. 

What  god  so  daring  in  your  aid  to  move, 

Or  lift  his  hand  against  the  force  of  Jove? 

Once  in  your  cause  I  felt  his  matchless  might, 

Hurl'd  headlong  down  from  the  ethereal  height;* 

Toss'd  all  the  day  in  rapid  circles  round; 

Xor  till  the  sun  descended  touch'd  the  ground; 

Breathless  I  fell,  in  giddy  motion  lost; 

The  Sinthians  raised  me  on  the  Lemnian  coast ;f 

He  said,  and  to  her  hands  the  goblet  heaved, 
Which,  with  a  smile,  the  white-arm'd  queen  received. 
Then,  to  the  rest  he  fiU'd;  and  in  his  turn, 
Each  to  his  lips  applied  the  nectar'd  urn, 
A'ulcan  Avith  awkward  grace  his  office  plies, 
And  unextinguish'd  laughter  shakes  the  skies. 

Thus  the  blest  gods  the  genial  day  prolong, 
In  feasts  ambrosial  and  celestial  song. J 

*  "  Paradise  Lost,"  i.  44. 

"  Him  th'  Almiglity  power 
Hurl'd  lieadlong  flaming  from  th'  ethereal  sky, 
With  hideous  ruin  and  combustion." 

f  The  occasion  on  which  Vulcan  incurred  Jove's  displeasure  was 
this:  After  Hercules  had  taken  and  pillaged  Troy,  Juno  raised  a 
storm  which  drove  him  to  the  island  of  Cos,  having  previously 
cast  Jove  into  a  sleep,  to  prevent  him  aiding  his  son.  Jove,  in 
revenge,  fastened  iron  anvils  to  her  feet,  and  hung  her  from  the 
sky,  and  Vulcan,  attempting  to  relieve  her,  was  kicked  down 
from  Olympus  in  the  manner  described.  The  allegorists  have 
gone  mad  in  finding  deep  explanations  for  this  amusing  fiction. 
See  Heraclides,  "  Ponticus,"  p.  463,  sq.,  ed.  Gale.  The  story  is 
told  by  Homer  himself  in  Book  xv.  The  Sinthians  were  a  race 
of  robbers,  the  ancient  inhabitants  of  Lemnos,  which  island  was 
ever  after  sacred  to  Vulcan. 

"  Nor  was  his  name  unheard  or  unadored 
In  anjient  Greece;  and  in  Ausonian  land 
Men  call'd  him  Mulciber;  and  how  he  fell 
From  heaven,  they  fabled,  thrown  by  angry  Jove 
Sheer  o'er  the  crystal  Ijattlements;  from  morn 
To  noon  he  fell,  from  noon  to  dewy  eve, 
A  summer's  dav;  and  with  the  setting:  sun 
Dropp'd  frtjiu  the  zenitii  like  a  falling  star 
On  Lemnos,  th'  ^-Egean  isle;  thus  they  relate." 

—"Paradise  Lost,"  i.  738. 
I  It  is  ingeniously  observed  by  Grote,  vol.  i.  p.  403,  that  "The 
gods  formed  a  sort  of  political  community  of  their  own,  which 
had  its  lifirarciiy,  its  distribution  of  ranks  and  duties,  its  conten- 
tions for  power  und  o(;casional  revolutions,  its  public  meetings  in 
tlie  agora  of  Olympus,  and  its  multitudinous  banquets  or 
festivals." 


84  THE  ILIAD. 

Apollo  timed  the  lyre;  the  Muses  round 
With  voice  alternate  aid  the  silver  sound. 
Meantime  the  radiant  sun  to  mortal  sight 
Descending  swift,  roll'd  down  the  rapid  light: 
Then  to  tlieir  starry  domes  the  gods  depart. 
The  shining  monuments  of  Vulcan's  art: 
Jove  on  his  couch  reclined  his  awful  head, 
And  Juno  slumber'd  on  the  golden  bed. 


TEE  ILIAD.  85 


BOOK  11. 

AEGUMENT. 

THE  TRIAL   OF  THE     ARMY,    AND     CATALOGUE    OF     THE 

FORCES. 

Jupiter,  in  pursuance  of  the  request  of  Thetis,  sends  a  deceitful 
vision  to  Agamemnon,  persuading  him  to  lead  the  army  to 
battle,  in  order  to  make  the  Greeks  sensible  of  their  want  of 
Achilles.  The  general,  who  is  deluded  with  the  hopes  of 
taking  Troy  without  his  assistance,  but  fears  the  army  was 
discouraged  by  his  absence,  and  the  late  plague,  as  well  as  by 
the  length  of  time,  contrives  to  make  trial  of  their  disposition 
by  a  stratagem.  He  first  communicates  his  design  to  the 
princes  in  council,  that  he  would  propose  a  return  to  the 
soldiers,  and  that  they  should  put  a  stop  to  them  if  the  pro- 
posal was  embraced.  Then  he  assembles  the  whole  host,  and 
upon  moving  for  a  return  to  Greece,  they  unanimously  agreed 
to  it,  and  run  to  prepare  the  ships.  They  are  detained  by  the 
management  of  Ulysses,  who  chastises  the  insolence  of  Ther- 
sites.  The  assembly  is  recalled,  several  speeches  made  on 
the  occasion,  and  at  length  the  advice  of  Nestor  followed, 
which  was  to  make  a  general  muster  of  the  troops,  and  to 
divide  them  into  their  several  nations,  before  they  jiroceeded 
to  battle.  This  gives  occasion  to  the  poet  to  enumerate  all 
the  forces  of  the  Greeks  and  Trojans,  and  in  a  large  catalogue. 
The  time  employed  in  this  book  consists  not  entirely  of  one 
day.  The  scene  lies  in  the  Grecian  camp,  and  upon  the  sea- 
shore; toward  the  end  it  removes  to  Troy. 

Now  pleasing  sleep  had  seal'd  each  mortal  eye, 
StretcliM  in  the  tents  tlie  Grecian  leaders  lie: 
The  ininiortals  slumber'd  on  their  thrones  above; 
All,  but  the  ever- wakeful  eyes  of  Jove.* 

♦Plato,  Hep.  ill.  p.  437,  was  so  scandalized  at  this  deception 
of  Jupiter's,  and  at  his  other  attacks  on  the  character  of  the  gods, 
tliat  lie  wr)uld  fain  sentence  liim  to  an  lionorable  banishment. 
(Sfe  Miiiiiciiis  Felix,  t^  22.)  Coleridge,  Iiitrod.  )>.  154,  well  ob- 
serves that  tlie  sujirtMne  father  of  gods  and  men  had  a  full  right 
to  eni]>loy  a  lying  sjjirit  to  work  out  his  ultimate  will.  Compare 
"  Paradi.se  Lost,"  v.  646. 

"  And  roseate  dews  disjiosed 
All  but  the  Mnsleei)ing  eyes  of  God  to  rest." 


86  THE  ILIAD. 

To  honor  Thetis'  son  he  bends  his  care, 
And  phmge  the  Greeks  in  all  the  woes  of  war: 
Then  bids  an  empty  phantom  rise  to  sight, 
And  thus  commands  the  vision  of  the  night. 

"Fly  hence,  deluding  Dream!  and  light  as  air,* 
To  Agamemnon's  ample  tent  repair. 
Bid  him  in  arms  draw  forth  the  embattled  train, 
Lead  all  his  Grecians  to  the  dusty  plain. 
Declare,  e'en  now  'tis  given  him  to  destroy 
The  lofty  towers  of  wide-extended  Troy. 
For  now  no  more  the  gods  with  fate  contend, 
At  Juno's  suit  the  heavenly  factions  end. 
Destruction  hangs  o'er  yon  dcA'oted  wall. 
And  nodding  Ilion  waits  the  impending  fall." 

Swift  as  the  word  the  vain  illusion  fled, 
Descends,  and  hovers  o'er  Atrides'  head; 
Clothed  in  the  figure  of  the  Pylian  sage, 
Renown'd  for  wisdom,  and  revered  for  age: 
Around  his  temples  spreads  his  golden  wing, 
And  thus  the  flattering  dream  deceives  the  king. 

"Canst  thou,  with  all  a  monarch's  cares  oppress'd, 
0  Atreus'  son!  canst  thou  indulge  thy  rest?t 
111  fits  a  chief  who  mighty  nations  guides. 
Directs  in  council,  and  in  war  presides. 
To  whom  its  safety  a  whole  people  owes, 
To  waste  long  nights  in  indolent  repose. J 
Monarch,  awake!      'Tis  Jove's  comm.and  I  bear; 
Thou,  and  thy  glory,  claim  his  heavenly  care. 
In  just  array  draw  forth  the  embattled  train. 
Lead  all  thy  Grecians  to  the  dusty  plain; 
E'en  now,  0  king!   'tis  given  thee  to  destroy 
The  lofty  towers  of  Avide-extended  Troy. 
For  now  no  more  the  gods  with  fate  contend, 
At  Juno's  suit  the  heavenly  factions  end. 

*  Dream  ought  to  be  spelt  with  a  capital  letter,  being,  I  think, 
evidently  personified  as  the  god  of  dreams.  See  Anthon  and 
others. 

"  When,  by  Minerva  sent,  a  fraudful  Dfe&m 

Rush'd  from  the  skies,  the  bane  of  her  and  Troy." 
— Dyce's  "  Select  Translations  from  Quintus  Calaber,"  p.  10. 
f  "  Sleep'st  thou,  companion  dear,  wliat  sleep  can  close 
Thy  eyelids?"—"  Paraiiise  Lost,"  v.  673. 
:j:  This  truly  military  sentiment  has  been  echoed  by  the  approv- 
ing voice  of  many  a  general   and   statesman    of    antiquity.     See 
Pliny's  Panegyric  on  Trajan.     Silius  neatly  translates  it: 
"  Tur[)e  duci  totam  soinno  consumere  nocteni." 


THE  ILIAD.  87 

Desti'Tictiou  hangs  o'er  yon  devoted  wall, 
And  nodding  Ilion  waits  the  impending  fall. 
Awake,  but  waking  this  advice  approve, 
And  trust  the  vision  that  descends  from  Jove." 

The  phantom  said;  then  vanish'd  from  his  sight, 
Resolves  to  air,  and  mixes  witli  the  night. 
A  thousand  schemes  the  monarch's  mind  employ; 
Elate  in  thought  he  sacks  untaken  Troy: 
Vair  as  he  was,  and  to  tlie  future  blind, 
Nor  saw  what  Jove  and  secret  fate  design'd, 
What  mighty  toils  to  either  host  remain. 
What  scenes  of  grief,  and  numbers  of  the  slain! 
Eager  he  rises,  and  in  fancy  hears 
The  voice  celestial  murmuring  in  his  ears. 
First  on  his  limbs  a  slender  vest  he  drew. 
Around  him  next  the  regal  mantle  threw, 
The  embroider'd  sandals  on  his  feet  were  tied 
The  starry  falchion  glitter'd  at' his  side; 
And  last,  his  arm  the  massy  scepter  loads, 
Unstain'd,  immortal,  and  the  gift  of  gods. 

Now  rosy  Morn  ascends  the  court  of  Jove, 
Lifts  up  her  light,  and  opens  day  above. 
The  king  dispatch'd  his  heralds  with  commands 
To  range  the  camp  and  summon  all  the  bands: 
The  gathering  hosts  the  monarcli's  word  obey; 
While  to  the  fleet  Atrides  bends  his  way. 
In  his  black  ship  the  Pylian  prince  he  found; 
There  calls  a  senate  of  the  peers  around : 
The  assembly  phiced,  the  king  of  men  express'd 
Tiie  Counsels  laboring  in  his  artful  breast. 

"Friends  and  confederates!  with  attentive  ear 
Receive  my  words,  and  credit  wliat  you  hear. 
Late  as  I  slumber'd  in  the  shades  of  night, 
A  dream  divine  appear'd  before  my  sight; 
Whose  visionary  form  like  Nestor  came, 
The  same  in  habit,  and  in  mien  the  saine.* 
'J'he  heavenly  ])liantoni  iKJVcr'd  o'er  my  head, 
'And,  dost  thou  sleep,  0  Atreus'  son?  (he  said) 
111  fits  a  chief  who  mighty  nations  guides, 
Directs  in  council,  and  in  war  presides; 
To  whom  its  safety  a  whole  people  owes, 
To  waste  long  nights  in  indolent  repose. 

*  The  Kfune  in,  luihit,  ftf-. 

"  To  wlioiii  onci!  vaoTc.  tlic  wiiifjcd  i:,m\  appears; 
His  former  voutbful  mien  and  sliiipe  lie  wears." 

—  Drvieii'.-i  Vii-'Ml.  iv.  803. 


88  THE  ILTAD. 

Monarch,  awake!  'tis  Jove's  command  I  bear, 
Thee  and  tliy  glory  claim  his  heavenly  care. 
In  just  array  draw  forth  the  embattled  train. 
And  lead  the  Grecians  to  the  dusty  plain; 
E'en  now,  0  king!  'tis  given  thee  to  destroy 
The  lofty  towers  of  wide-extended  Troy. 
For  now  no  more  the  gods  with  fate  contend, 
At  Juno's  suit  the  heavenly  factions  end. 
Destruction  hangs  o'er  yon  devoted  wall, 
And  nodding  Ilion  waits  the  impending  fall. 

This  hear  observant,  and  the  gods  obey!' 
The  vision  spoke,  and  pass'd  in  air  away. 
Now,  valiant  chiefs!  since  heaven  itself  alarms, 
Unite,  and  rouse  the  sons  of  Greece  to  arms. 
But  first,  with  caution,  try  what  yet  they  dare, 
Worn  with  nine  years  of  unsuccessful  war. 
To  move  the  troops  to  measure  back  the  main, 
Be  mine;  and  yours  ihe  province  to  detain." 

He  spoke,  and  sat:  when  Nestor  rising  said, 
(Nestor,  whom  Pylos'  sandy  realms  obey'd,) 
"Princes  of  Greece,  your  faithful  ears  incline, 
Nor  doubt  the  vision  of  the  powers  divine; 
Sent  by  great  Jove  to  him  who  rules  the  host. 
Forbid  it,  heaven!  this  warning  should  be  lost! 
Then  let  us  haste,  obey  the  god's  alarms, 
And  join  to  rouse  the  sons  of  Greece  to  arms." 

Thus  spoke  the  sage:  the  kings  without  delay 
Dissolve  tlie  council,  and  their  chief  obey: 
The  sceptred  rulers  lead ;  the  following  host, 
Pour'd  forth  by  thousands,  darkens  all  the  coast. 
As  from  some  rocky  cleft  the  shepherd  sees 
Clustering  in  heaps  on  heaps  the  driving  bees. 
Boiling  and  blackening,  swarms  succeeding  swarms. 
With  deeper  murmurs  and  more  hoarse  alarms; 
Dusky  they  spread,  a  close  embodied  crowd. 
And  o'er  the  vale  descends  the  living  cloud.* 

*  "  As  bees  in  sprincr-time,  when 
The  sun  with  Taurus  rides, 

Pour  forth  their  populous  youth  about  the  hive 
In  clusters;  they  auioiiff  fresh  dews  and  flowers 
Fly  to  and  fro,  or  on  the  smoothed  plank, 
The  suburb  of  this  straw-built  citadel, 
New-nibb'd  with  balm,  expatiate  and  confer 
Their  state  affairs.     So  thick  the  very  crowd 
Swarm'd  and  were  straiteu'd." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  i.  768. 


TEE  ILIAD.  89 

So,  from  the  tents  aud  ships,  a  lengthen'd  train 

Spreads  all  the  beach,  and  wide  o'ershades  the  plain: 

Along  the  region  runs  a  deafening  sound; 

Beneath  their  footsteps  groans  the  trembling  ground. 

Fame  flies  before  the  messenger  of  Jove, 

And  shining  soars,  and  claps  her  wings  above. 

Nine  sacred  heralds  now,  proclaiming  loud* 

The  monarch's  will,  susjoend  the  listening  crowd. 

Soon  as  the  throngs  in  order  ranged  appear, 

And  fainter  murmurs  died  upon  the  ear. 

The  king  of  kings  his  awful  figure  raised: 

High  in  his  hand  the  golden  scepter  blazed; 

The  golden  scepter,  of  celestial  flame. 

By  Vulcan  form'd,  from  Jove  to  Hermes  came: 

To  Pelops  he  the  immortal  gift  resign'd; 

The  immortal  gift  great  Pelops  left  behind, 

In  Atreus'  hand,  which  not  with  Atreus  ends, 

To  rich  Thyestes  next  the  prize  descends; 

And  now  the  mark  of  Agamemnon's  reign. 

Subjects  all  Argos,  and  controls  the  main.f 

On  this  bright  scepter  now  the  king  reclined, 
And  artful  thus  pronounced  the  speech  design'd: 
"Ye  sons  of  JMars;  partake  your  leader's  care, 
Heroes  of  Greece,  and  brothers  of  the  war! 
Of  partial  .Jove  with  justice  I  complain, 
And  heavenly  oracles  believed  in  vain, 

*  It  was  the  herald's  duty  to  make  the  people  sit  down.  "  A 
standinff  agora  is  a  symptom  of  manifest  terror  (II.  xviii.  246); 
an  evening  agora,  to  which  men  came  elevated  by  wine,  is  also 
the  forerunner  of  mischief  ('  Odyssey,'  iii.  138)." — Grote,  ii.  p.  91, 
7iote. 

\  This  scepter,  like  that  of  Judah  (Genesis,  xlix.  10),  is  a  type  of 
the  supreme  and  far-spread  dominion  of  the  house  of  the  Atrides. 
8ee  Thucydides,  i.  9.   "  It  is  traced  through  the  hands  of  Ilermr-s; 
he  being  the  wealth-giving  god,  whose  blessing  is  most  efficacious 
in  furthering  the  process  of  acquisition." — (irote,  i.  p.  212.  Com- 
pare Quintus  Calaber  (I)yce's  Selections,  p.  48): 
"  'riius  the  monarch  spoke, 
Then  pledged  the  chief  in  a  capacious  cup, 
Golden,  and  framed  by  art  divine  (a  gift 
Which  to  Almighty  Jove  lame  Vulcan  brought 
Upon  his  nuptial  day,  when  he  csiiouscd 
The  Queen  <»f  Lf)ve);  tlic  sin;  of  gods  bestow'd 
The  cup  on  Dardanus,  wlio  gav(^  it  next 
To  P]rictlionius;  Tros  received  it  tlien, 
And  left  it,  witli  his  wealth,  to  be  possess'd 
]5y  Ilus;  he  to  great  Laoinedon 
Gave  it;  and  last  to  Priam's  lot  it  fell." 


90  THE  ILIAD. 

A  sfife  return  was  promised  to  our  toils, 
Tienown'd,  triuiiij)lmnt,  and  enrich'd  with  spoils. 
Now  shameful  flight  alone  can  save  the  host, 
Our  blood,  our  treasure,  and  onr  glory  lost. 
So  Jove  decrees,  resistless  lord  of  all! 
At  whose  command  whole  empires  rise  or  fall: 
He  shakes  the  feeble  props  of  human  trust, 
And  towns  and  armies  humbles  to  the  dust. 
What  shame  to  Greece  a  fruitful  war  to  wage, 
Oh,  lasting  shame  in  every  future  age! 
Once  great  in  arms,  the  common  scorn  we  grow, 
Eepulsed  and  baffled  by  a  feeble  foe. 
So  small  their  number,  that  if  wars  were  ceased. 
And  Greece  triumphant  held  a  general  feast. 
All  rank'd  by  tens,  whole  decades  when  they  dine 
Must  want  a  Trojan  slave  to  pour  the  wme.* 
But  other  forces  have  our  hopes  o'erthrown. 
And  Troy  prevails  by  armies  not  her  own. 
Now  nine  long  years  of  mighty  Jove  are  run, 
Since  first  the  labors  of  this  war  begun: 
Our  cordage  torn,  decay'd  our  vessels  lie. 
And  scarce  insure  the  wretched  power  to  fly. 
Haste,  then,  forever  leave  the  Trojan  wall! 
Our  weeping  wives,  our  tender  children  call: 
Love,  duty,  safety,  summon  us  away, 
'Tis  nature's  voice,  and  nature  we  obey. 
Our  shatter'd  barks  may  yet  transport  us  o'er, 
Safe  and  inglorious,  to  our  native  shore. 
Fly,  Grecians,  fly,  your  sails  and  oars  employ, 
And  dream  no  more  of  heaven-defended  Troy." 
His  deep  design  unknown,  the  hosts  approve 
Atrides'  speech.     The  mighty  numbers  move. 
So  roll  the  billows  to  the  Icarian  shore. 
From  east  and  south  when  winds  begin  to  roar, 
Burst  their  dark  mansions  in  the  clouds,  and  sweep 
The  whitening  surface  of  the  ruffled  deep. 
And  as  on  corn  when  western  gusts  descend, f 
Before  the  blast  the  lofty  harvests  bend: 

*  Grote,  i.  p.  393,  states  tbe  number  of  the  Grecian  forces  at  up- 
ward of  100,000  men.     Nichols  makes  a  total  of  135,000. 
f  "  As  thick  as  wlien  a  field 
Of  Ceres,  ripe  for  harvest,  waving  bends 
His  bearded  grove  of  ears,  which  way  the  wind 
Sways  them." 

—"Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  980,  sqq. 


TEE  ILIAD.  91 

Thus  o'er  the  field  the  raoviiig  host  appears, 
"With  nodding  plumes  and  groves  of  waving  spears. 
The  gathering  murmur  spreads,  their  trampling  feet 
Beat  the  loose  sands,  and  thicken  to  the  fleet; 
With  long-resounding  cries  they  urge  the  train 
To  fit  the  ships,  and  launch  into  the  main. 
They  toil,  they  sweat,  thick  clouds  of  dust  arise. 
The  doubling  clamors  echo  to  the  skies. 
E'en  then  the  Greeks  had  left  the  hostile  plain; 
And  fate  decreed  the  fall  of  Troy  in  vain ; 
But  Jove's  imperial  queen  their  flight  survey'd. 
And  sighing  thus  bespoke  the  blue-eyed  maid: 

"Shall  then  the  Grecians  fly!  0  dire  disgrace! 
And  leave  unpunish'd  this  perfidious  race? 
Shall  Troy,  shall  Priam,  and  the  adulterous  spouse,' 
In  peace  enjoy  the  fruits  of  broken  vows? 
And  bravest  chiefs,  in  Helen's  quarrel  slain, 
Lie  unrevenged  on  yon  detested  plain? 
No:  let  my  Greeks,  unmoved  by  vain  alarms, 
Once  more  refulgent  shine  in  brazen  arms. 
Haste,  goddess,  haste!  the  flying  host  detain, 
Nor  let  one  sail  be  hoisted  on  the  main." 

Pallas  obeys,  and  from  Olympus'  height 
Swift  to  the  ships  precipitates  her  flight. 
Ulysses,  first  in  public  cares,  she  found. 
For  prudent  counsel  like  the  gods  renown'd: 
Oppress'd  with  generous  grief  the  hero  stood, 
Nor  drew  his  sable  vessels  to  the  flood. 
"And  is  it  thus,  divine  Laertes'  son. 
Thus  fly  the  Greeks  (the  martial  maid  begun). 
Thus  to  their  country  bear  their  own  disgrace, 
And  fame  eternal  leave  to  Priam's  race? 
Shall  Ijcauteous  Helen  still  remain  unfreed, 
Still  unrevenged,  a  thousand  heroes  bleed! 
Haste,  generous  Ithacus!  prevent  tlie  shame, 
Kecall  your  armies,  and  your  chiefs  reclaim. 
Your  own  resistless  eloquence  employ. 
And  to  the  immortals  trust  tlie  fall  of  Troy." 

The  voice  divine  confess'd  the  warlike  maid, 
Ulysses  lieard,  nor  uninspired  obey'd: 
Then  meeting  first  Atridcs,  from  his  hand 
Heceived  the  imperial  scepter  of  command. 
Thus  grace<l,  attention  and  respect  to  gain, 
He  runs,  ho  flies  through  all  the  Grecian  train; 


yg  THE  ILIAD. 

Each  prince  of  name,  or  chief  in  arms  approved, 
He  fired  with  praise,  or  with  persuasion  moved. 

"Warriors  lil^e  you,  with  strength  and  wisdom  bless'd, 
By  brave  examples  should  confirm  the  rest. 
The  monarch's  will  not  yet  reveal'd  appears; 
He  tries  our  courage  but  resents  our  fears. 
The  unwary  Greeks  his  fury  may  provoke; 
Not  thus  the  king  m  secret  council  spoke. 
Jove  loves  our  chief,  from  Jove  his  honor  springs, 
Beware!  for  dreadful  is  the  wrath  of  kings." 

But  if  a  clamorous  vile  plebeian  rose. 
Him  with  reproof  he  cheok'd  or  tamed  with  blows. 
"Be  still,  thou  slave,  and  to  thy  betters  yield; 
Unknown  alike  in  council  and  in  field! 
Ye  gods,  what  dastards  would  our  host  command! 
Swept  to  the  war,  the  lumber  of  a  land. 
Be  silent,  wretch,  and  think  not  here  allow'd 
That  worst  of  tyrants,  an  usurping  crowd. 
To  one  sole  monarch  Jove  commits  the  sway; 
His  are  the  laws,  and  him  let  all  obey."  * 

With  words  like  these  the  troops  Ulysses  ruled, 
The  loudest  silenced,  and  the  fiercest  cool'd. 
Back  to  the  assembly  roll  the  thronging  train, 
Desert  the  ships,  and  pour  upon  the  plain. 
Murmuring  they  move,  as  when  old  ocean  roars, 
And  heaves  huge  surges  to  the  trembling  shores; 
The  groaning  banks  are  burst  with  bellowing  sound, 
The  rocks  remurmur  and  the  deeps  rebound. 
At  length  the  tumult  sinks,  the  noises  cease. 
And  a  still  silence  lulls  the  camp  to  peace. 
Thersites  only  clamor'd  in  the  throng. 
Loquacious,  loud,  and  turbulent  of  tongue: 
Awed  by  no  shame,  by  no  respect  controll'd. 
In  scandal  busy,  in  reproaches  bold : 
With  witty  malice  studious  to  defame. 
Scorn  all  his  Joy,  and  laughter  all  his  aim:— 
But  chief  he  gloried  with  licentious  style 
To  lash  the  great,  and  monarchs  to  revile. 

*  This  sentiment  used  to  be  a  popular  one  with  some  of  the 
greatest  tyrants,  who  abused  it  into  a  pretext  for  unlimited  usur- 
pation of  power.  Dion,  Caligula,  and  Domitian  were  particularly 
fond  of  it,  and,  in  an  extended  form,  we  find  the  maxim 
propounded  by  Creon  in  the  Antigone  of  Sophocles.  See  some  im- 
portant remarks  of  Heeren,  "  Ancient  Greece,"  ch.  vi.  p.  105. 


THE  ILIAD.  93 

His  fignre  such  as  might  his  soul  proch\im; 

One  eye  was  blinking,  and  one  leg  was  lame: 

His  mountain  shoulders  half  his  breast  o'erspread, 

Thin  hairs  bestrew'd  his  long  misshapen  head. 

Spleen  to  mankind  his  envious  heart  possess'd, 

And  much  he  hated  all,  but  most  the  best: 

Ulysses  or  Acbilles  still  his  theme; 

But  royal  scandal  his  delight  supreme. 

Long  had  he  lived  the  scorn  of  every  Greek, 

Yex'd  when  he  spoke,  yet  still  they  heard  him  speak. 

Sharp  was  his  voice;  which  in  the  shrillest  tone, 

Thus  with  injurious  taunts  attack'd  the  throne. 

"Amidst  the  glories  of  so  bright  a  reign, 
What  moves  the  great  Atrides  to  complain? 
'Tis  thine  whate'er  the  warrior's  breast  inflames, 
The  golden  spoil,  and  thine  the  lovely  dames. 
With  all  the  wealth  our  wars  and  blood  bestow, 
Thy  tents  are  crowded  and  thy  chests  o'erflow. 
Thus  at  full  ease  in  heaps  of  riches  roll'd, 
What  grieves  the  monarch?     Is  it  thirst  of  gold? 
Say,  shall  we  march  with  our  unconquer'd  powers 
(The  Greeks  and  I)  to  Ilion's  hostile  towers, 
And  bring  the  race  of  royal  bastards  here. 
For  Troy  to  ransom  at  a  price  too  dear? 
But  safer  plunder  thy  own  host  supplies; 
Say,  wouldst  thou  seize  some  valiant  leader's  prize, 
Or,  if  thy  heart  to  generous  love  be  led, 
Some  captive  fair,  to  bless  thy  kingly  bed? 
Whate'er  our  master  craves  submit  we  must. 
Plagued  with  iiis  pride,  or  punish'd  for  his  lust. 
Oil  women  of  Achaia;  men  no  more! 
Hence  let  us  fly,  and  let  him  waste  his  store 
In  loves  and  pleasures  on  the  Phrygian  shore. 
We  may  be  wanted  on  some  busy  day, 
When  Hector  comes:  so  great  Achilles  may: 
From  him  he  forced  the  ])rize  we  jointly  gave. 
From  him,  the  fierce,  tlic  fearless,  ami  the  Ijrave: 
And  durst  he,  as  ho  ought,  resent  that  wrong, 
This  mighty  tyrant  were  no  tyrant  long." 

Fierce  from  his  seat  at  this  Ulysses  springs,* 

*  It  may  be  remarked,  that  the  character  of  Thersites,  revolting 
and  contemptible  as  it  is,  serves  admirably  to  develoj)  the  dis- 
position of  t'lysses  in  a  new  li^lit,  in  which  mere  ciiiminiE:  is  less 
lirominent  Of  the  (rnidnal  and  individual  development  of  Homer's 
iieroes,  Sclile-^Md    well    observes,  "  in    bas-relief   the    figures  are 


94  I'HE  ILIAD. 

In  generous  vengeance  of  the  king  of  kings, 

With  indignation  sparkling  in  his  eyes, 

He  views  the  wretch,  and  sternly  thus  replies: 

"Peace,  factious  monster,  born  to  vex  tlie  state, 
AYith  wrangling  talents  form'd  for  foul  debate: 
Curb  that  impetuous  tongue,  nor  rashly  vain, 
And  singly  mad,  asperse  the  sovereign  reign. 
Have  we  not  known  thee,  slave!  of  all  our  host, 
The  man  who  acts  the  least,  upbraids  the  most? 
Think  not  the  Greeks  to  shameful  flight  to  bring, 
Nor  let  those  lips  profane  the  name  of  king. 
For  our  return  we  trust  the  heavenly  powers; 
Be  that  their  care;  to  fight  like  men  be  ours. 
But  grant  the  host  with  wealth  the  general  load, 
Except  detraction,  what  hast  thou  bestow'd? 
Suppose  some  hero  should  his  spoils  resign. 
Art  thou  that  hero,  could  those  spoils  be  thine? 
Gods!  let  me  jierish  on  this  hateful  shore. 
And  let  these  eyes  behold  my  son  no  more; 
If,  on  thy  next  offense,  this  hand  forbear 
To  strijo  those  arms  thou  ill  deserv'st  to  wear, 
Expel  the  council  where  our  princes  meet, 
And  send  thee  scourged  and  howling  through  the  fleet." 

He  said,  and  cowering  as  the  dastard  bends. 
The  weighty  scepter  on  his  bank  descends  :f 


usually  in  profile,  and  in  the  epos  all  are  characterized  in  the 
simplest  manner  in  relief;  they  are  not  grouped  together,  but  fol- 
low one  another:  so  Homer's  heroes  advance,  one  by  one,  in  suc- 
cession before  us.  It  has  been  remarked  that  the  Iliad  is  not 
definitely  closed,  but  that  we  are  left  to  suppose  something  both 
to  precede  and  to  follow  it.  The  bas-relief  is  equally  without 
limit,  and  may  be  continued  ad  infinitum,  either  from  before  or 
behind,  on  which  account  the  ancients  preferred  for  it  such  sub- 
jects as  admitted  of  an  indefinite  extension,  sacrificial  processions, 
dances,  and  lines  of  combatants,  and  hence  they  also  exhibit  bas- 
reliefs  on  curved  surfaces,  such  as  vases,  or  the  frieze  of  a 
rotunda,  where,  by  the  curvature,  the  two  ends  are  withdrawn 
from  our  sight,  and  where,  while  we  advance,  one  object  appears 
as  another  disappears.  Reading  Homer  is  very  much  like  such  a 
circuit;  the  present  object  alone  arresting  our  attention,  we  lose 
sight  of  that  which  precedes,  and  do  not  concern  ourselves  about 
what  is  to  follow." — "Dramatic  Literature,'"  p.  75. 

f  "  There  cannot  be  a  clearer  indication  than  this  description — 
so  graphic  in  the  original  poem— of  the  true  character  of  the 
Homeric  agora.  The  multitude  who  compose  it  are  listening  and 
acquiescent,  not  often  hesitating,  and  never  refractory  to  the 
chief.  The  fate  which  awaits  a  presumptuous  critic,  even  where 
his  virulent  reproaches  are  substantially  well  founded,  is  jilainly 


THE  ILIAD.  95 

On  the  round  bunch  the  blood}'  tumors  rise: 
The  tears  spring  starting  from  his  haggard  eyes; 
Trembling  he  sat,  and  shrunk  in  abject  fears, 
From  his  vile  visage  wiped  the  scalding  tears; 
While  to  his  neigbbor  each  express'd  his  thought: 

"Ye  gods!  wbat  wonders  has  Ulysses  wrought! 
What  fruits  his  conduct  and  his  courage  yield! 
Great  in  the  council,  glorious  in  the  field. 
Generous  he  rises  in  the  crown's  defense. 
To  curb  the  factious  tongue  of  insolence, 
Such  just  examples  on  otfenders  shown, 
Sedition  silence,  and  assert  the  throne." 

'Twas  tlms  the  general  voice  the  hero  praised, 
Who,  rising,  high  the  imperial  scepter  raised: 
The  blue-eyed  Pallas,  his  celestial  friend, 
(In  form  a  herald),  l)ade  the  crowds  attend. 
The  expecting  crowds  in  still  attention  hung, 
To  hear  the  wisdom  of  his  heavenly  tongue. 
Then  deeply  thoughtful,  pausing  ere  he  spoke, 
His  silence  thus  the  prudent  hero  broke: 

"Unhappy  monarch!  whom  the  Grecian  race 
With  shame  deserting,  heap  with  vile  disgrace. 
Not  such  at  Argos  was  their  generous  vow: 
Once  all  their  voice,  but  ah!  forgotten  now: 
Ne'er  to  return,  was  then  the  common  cry, 
Till  Troy's  proud  structures  should  in  ashes  lie. 
Behold  them  weeping  for  their  native  shore; 
What  could  their  wives  or  helpless  children  more? 
What  heart  but  melts  to  leave  the  tender  train. 
And,  one  short  month,  endure  the  wintry  main? 
Few  leagues  removed,  we  wish  our  peaceful  seat. 
When  the  ship  tosses,  and  the  tempests  beat: 
Then  well  may  this  long  stay  provoke  their  tears. 
The  tedious  length  of  nine  revolving  years. 
Not  for  their  grief  the  Grecian  host  I  blame; 
But  vanrjuish'dl  baffled!  oh,  eternal  shame! 
Expect  the  time  to  Troy's  destruction  given. 
And  try  the  faith  of  Chalcas  and  of  heaven. 

set  forth  in  the  treatment  of  Tbersites;  while  the  unpopularity  of 
such  a  character  is  attested  even  more  by  the  excessive  pains 
which  IIoiiH!!'  takes  to  heap  upon  him  rei)ulsive  personal  deform- 
ities, than  Ijy  the  chastisement  of  Odysseus — he  is  lame,  Ijald, 
crook-haclted,  of  misshapen  head,  and  squinting  vision." — (<rote, 
vol.  i.  p.  97. 


9G  TUB  ILIAD. 

AVhat  pass'd  at  Anlis,  Greece  can  witness  bear,* 

And  all  who  live  to  breathe  this  Plirygian  air, 

Beside  a  fountain's  sacred  brink  we  raised 

Our  verdant  altars,  and  the  victims  blazed: 

'Twas  where  the  plane-tree  spread  its  shades  aronnd, 

The  altars  heaved;  and  from  the  crumbling  ground 

A  mighty  dragon  shot,  of  dire  portent; 

From  Jove  himself  the  dreadful  sign  was  sent. 

Straight  to  the  tree  his  sanguine  spires  he  roll'd. 

And  curl'd  around  in  many  a  winding  fold; 

The  topmost  branch  a  mother-bird  possess'd; 

Eight  callow  infants  fill'd  the  mossy  nest; 

Herself  the  ninth;  the  serpent,  as  he  hung, 

Stretch'd  his  black  jaws  and  crush'd  the  crying  yonug, 

Wliile  hovering  near,  with  miserable  moan, 

The  drooping  mother  wail'd  her  children  gone. 

The  mother  last,  as  round  the  nest  she  flew, 

Seized  by  the  beating  wing,  the  monster  slew; 

Nor  long  survived :  to  marble  turn'd,  he  stands 

A  lasting  prodigy  on  Aulis'  sands. 

Such  was  the  will  of  Jove;  and  hence  we  dare 

Trust  in  his  omen,  and  support  the  war. 

For  while  around  we  gazed  with  wondering  eyes, 

And  trembling  sought  the  powers  with  sacrifice. 

Full  of  his  god,  the  reverend  Chalcas  cried, f 

'Ye  Grecian  warriors!  lay  your  fears  aside. 

This  wondrous  signal  Jove  himself  displays, 

Of  long,  long  labors,  but  eternal  praise. 

As  many  birds  as  by  the  snake  were  slain, 

So  many  years  the  toils  of  Ch-eece  remain; 

But  wait  the  tenth,  for  Ilion's  fall  decreed: 

Thus  spoke  the  prophet,  thus  the  Fates  succeed. 

Obey,  ye  Grecians!  with  submission  wait. 

Nor  let  your  flight  avert  the  Trojan  fate." 

He  said :  the  shores  with  loud  applauses  sound. 

The  hollow  ships  each  deafening  shout  rebound. 

Then  Nestor  thus — "These  vain  debates  forbear, 

Ye  talk  like  children,  not  like  heroes  dare. 


♦According  to  Pausanias,  both  the  sprig  and  tlae  remains  of  the 
tree  were  exliibited  in  his  time.  The  tragedians,  Lucretius  and 
others,  adopted  a  different  fable  to  account  for  the  stoppage  at 
Aulis,  and  seem  to  have  found  the  sacrifice  of  Iphigenia  better 
suited  to  form  the  subject  of  a  tragedy.  Compare  Dryden's 
"  Mxiftxd,"  vol.  iii,  sqq. 

t  Full  of  Ms  god,  i.  e.,  Apollo,  filled  with  the  prophetic  spirit. 
"  Tlie  god  "  would  be  more  simple  and  emphatic. 


THE  ILIAD.  97 

"Where  now  are  all  your  high  resolves  at  last? 
Your  leagues  concluded,  your  engagements  past? 
Yow'd  with  libations  and  with  victims  then, 
Now  vanish'd  like  their  smoke:  the  faith  of  men! 
While  useless  words  consume  the  unactive  hours, 
No  wonder  Troy  so  long  resists  our  powers. 
Else,  great  Atrides!  and  with  courage  sway; 
We  march  to  war,  if  thou  direct  the  way. 
But  leave  the  few  that  dare  resist  thy  laws, 
The  mean  deserters  of  the  Grecian  cause, 
To  grudge  the  conquests  mighty  Jove  prepares, 
And  view  with  envy  our  successful  wars. 
On  that  great  day,  when  first  the  martial  train, 
Big  with  the  fate  of  liion,  plough'd  the  main, 
Jove,  on  the  right,  a  prosperous  signal  sent. 
And  thunder  rolling  shook  the  firmament. 
Encouraged  hence,  maintain  the  glorious  strife, 
Till  every  soldier  grasp  a  Phrygian  wife, 
Till  Helen's  woes  at  full  revenged  appear, 
And  Troy's  proud  matrons  render  tear  for  tear 
Before  that  day,  if  any  Greek  invite 
His  country's  troops  to  base,  inglorious  flight. 
Stand  forth  that  Greek!  and  hoist  his  sail  to  fly, 
And  die  the  dastard  first,  who  dreads  to  die. 
But  now,  0  monarch!  all  thy  chiefs  advise:* 
Nor  what  they  offer,  thou  thyself  despise. 
Among  those  counsels,  let  not  mine  be  vain; 
In  tribes  and  nations  to  divide  thy  train: 
His  separate  troops  let  every  leader  call. 
Each  strengthen  each,  and  all  encourage  all. 
What  chief,  or  soldier,  of  the  numerous  band, 
Or  bravely  fights,  or  ill  obeys  command. 
When  thus  distinct  they  war,  shall  soon  be  known 
And  what  the  cause  of  Ilion  not  o'erthrown; 
If  fate  resist,  or  if  our  arms  are  slow. 
If  gods  above  prevent,  or  men  below." 

To  him  tlie  king:  ''How  much  thy  years  excel 
In  arts  of  counsel,  and  in  speaking  well! 
0  would  the  gods,  in  love  to  Greece,  decree 
But  ten  such  sages  as  they  grant  in  thee; 


*  Those  critifs  who  have  maintained  that  the  "  Catalogue  of 
Sliips"is  an  interpolation,  shouhl  have  ])ai(l  more  attention  to 
these  lines,  which  form  a  most  n!itiir;il  introduction  to  their 
enumeration. 


OS  THE  ILIAD. 

Such  wisdom  soon  shotild  Priam's  force  destroy, 
And  soon  should  fall  the  haughty  towers  of  Troy! 
But  Jove  forbids,  who  plunges  those  he  hates 
In  fierce  contention  and  in  vain  debates: 
Now  great  Acliilles  from  our  raid  withdraws, 
By  me  provoked;  a  captive  maid  the  cause: 
If  e'er  as  friends  we  join,  the  Trojan  wall 
Must  shake,  and  heavy  will  the  vengeance  fall; 
But  now,  ye  warriors,  take  a  short  repast; 
And,  well  refresh 'd,  to  bloody  conflict  haste. 
His  sharpen'd  spear  let  every  Grecian  wield, 
And  every  Grecian  fix  his  brazen  shield, 
Let  all  excite  the  fiery  steeds  of  war, 
And  all  for  combat  fit  the  rattling  car. 
This  day,  this  dreadful  day,  let  each  contend; 
No  rest,  no  respite,  till  the  shades  descend; 
Till  darkness,  or  till  death,  shall  cover  all: 
Let  the  war  bleed,  and  let  the  mighty  fall; 
Till  bathed  in  sweat  be  every  manly  breast. 
With  the  huge  shield  each  brawny  arm  depress'd, 
Each  aching  nerve  refuse  the  lance  to  throw, 
And  each  spent  courser  at  the  chariot  blow. 
Who  dares,  inglorious,  in  his  ships  to  stay. 
Who  dares  to  tremble  on  this  signal  day; 
That  wretch,  too  mean  to  fall  by  martial  power, 
The  birds  shall  mangle,  and  the  dogs  devour." 

The  monarch  spoke;  and  straight  a  murmur  rose. 
Loud  as  the  surges  when  the  tempest  blows. 
That  dash'd  on  broken  rocks  tumultuous  roar, 
And  foam  and  thunder  on  the  stony  shore. 
Straight  to  the  tents  the  troops  dispersing  bend. 
The  fires  are  kindled,  and  the  smokes  ascend; 
With  hasty  feasts  they  sacrifice,  and  pray. 
To  avert  the  dangers  of  the  doubtful  day. 
A  steer  of  five  years'  age,  large  limb'd,  and  fed,* 


*  The  following  observation  will  be  useful  to  Homeric  readers: 
"  Particular  animals  were,  at  a  later  time,  consecrated  to  particular 
deities.  To  Jupiter,  Cerus,  Juno,  Apollo,  and  Bacchus  victims  of 
advanced  a^e  might  be  offered.  An  ox  of  five  years  old  was  con- 
sidered especially  acceptable  to  Jupiter.  A  black  bull,  a  ram,  or 
a  boar  pig  were  offerings  for  Neptune.  A  heifer,  or  a  sheep,  for 
Minerva.  To  Ceres  a  sow  was  sacrificed,  as  an  enemy  to  corn. 
The  goat  to  Bacchus,  because  he  fed  on  vines.  Diana  was  pro- 
pitiated with  a  stag;  and  to  Venus  the  dove  was  consecrated. 
The  infernal  and  evil  deities  were  to  be  appeased  with  black 
■  victims.     The  most  acceptable  of  all  sacrifices  was  the  heifer  of  a 


THE  ILIAD.  99 

To  Jove's  liigh  altars  Agamemnon  led: 

There  bade  the  noblest  of  the  Grecian  jjeers; 

And  Nestor  first,  as  most  advanced  in  years. 

Next  came  Idomenens,*  and  Tydeus'  son,f 

Ajax  the  less,  and  Ajax  Telamou;J 

Then  wise  Ulysses  in  his  rank  was  placed; 

And  Menelaiis  came,  unhid,  the  last.§ 

The  chiefs  surround  the  destined  beast,  and  take 

The  sacred  offering  of  the  salted  cake: 

When  thus  the  king  prefers  his  solemn  prayer; 

"0  thou  I  whose  thunder  rends  the  clouded  air. 

Who  in  the  heaven  of  heavens  hast  fixed  thy  throne, 

Supreme  of  gods!  unbounded,  and  alone! 

Hear!  and  before  the  burning  sun  descends, 

Before  the  night  her  gloomy  veil  extends, 

Low  in  the  dust  be  laid  yon  hostile  spires, 

Be  Priam's  palace  sunk  in  Grecian  fires, 

In  Hector's  breast  be  plunged  this  shining  sword, 

And  slaughter'd  heroes  groan  around  their  lord!" 

Thus  prayed  the  chief:  liis  unavailing  prayer 
Great  Jove  refused,  and  toss'd  in  empty  air: 
The  God  averse,  while  yet  the  fumes  arose. 
Prepared  new  toils,  and  doubled  woes  on  woes. 
Their  prayers  perform'd  the  chiefs  the  rite  pursue, 
The  barley  sprinkled,  and  the  victim  slew. 
The  limbs  they  sever  from  the  inclosing  hide. 
The  thigh,  selected  to  the  gods,  divide. 
On  these,  in  double  cauls  involved  with  art, 
The  choicest  morsels  lie  from  every  part, 
From  the  cleft  wood  the  crackling  flames  aspire, 
While  the  fat  victims  feed  the  sacred  fire. 

year  old,  which  had  never  borne  the  yoke.  It  was  to  be  perfect 
in  every  limb,  healthy,  and  without  blemish." — "  Elgin  Marbles," 
vol.  i.  p.  78. 

*  Idomeneua,  son  of  Deucalion,  was  king  of  Crete.  Having 
vowed,  during  a  tempest,  on  his  return  from  Troy,  to  sacrifice  to 
Neptune  the  first  creature  that  should  pres<^ut  itself  to  his  eye  on 
the  Cretan  shore,  bis  son  fell  a  victim  to  his  rash  vow. 

f  'I'ydeuif  son,  i.  e.  Dioined. 

I  TJiat  is,  Ajax,  the  son  of  Oileus,  a  Locrian.  He  must  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  other,  who  was  king  of  Salamis 

^  A  grnat  deal  of  nonsense  has  been  written  to  account  for  the 
word  unhid,  in  this  line.  Even  Plato,  "  Syini)os."  p.  Jjlo,  has 
found  .some  curious  meaning  in  what,  to  us,  appears  to  need  no 
explanation.  Was  there  any  heroic  rule  of  etiquette  which  ])re- 
vented  one  brother  king  visiting  another  without  a  formal  invi- 
tation V  • 


100  THE  ILIAD. 

The  thighs  thus  sacrificed,  and  entrails  dress'd, 
The  assistants  jiart,  transfix,  and  roast  the  rest; 
Then  spread  the  tables,  the  repast  prepare, 
Each  takes  his  seat,  and  each  receives  his  share. 
Soon  as  the  rage  of  hunger  was  suppress'd, 
The  generous  Nestor  thus  the  prince  address'd: 

"Now  bid  thy  heralds  sound  the  loud  alarms, 
And  call  the  squadrons  sheathed  in  brazen  arms; 
Now  seize  the  occasion,  now  the  troops  survey, 
And  lead  to  war  when  heaven  directs  the  way." 

He  said;  the  monarch  issued  his  commands; 
Straight  the  loud  heralds  call  the  gathering  bands; 
The  chiefs  inclose  their  king;  the  hosts  divide. 
In  tribes  and  nations  rank'd  on  either  side. 
High  in  the  midst  the  blue-eyed  virgin  flies; 
From  rank  to  rank  she  darts  her  ardent  eyes; 
The  dreadful  ffigis,  Jove's  immortal  shield. 
Blazed  on  her  arm,  and  lighteu'd  all  the  field; 
Eound  the  vast  orb  a  hundred  serpents  roll'd, 
Form'd  the  bright  fringe,  and  seem'd  to  burn  in  gold, 
With  this  each  Grecian's  manly  breast  she  warms. 
Swells  their  bold  hearts,  and  strings  their  nervous  arms, 
No  more  they  sigh,  inglorious,  to  return. 
But  breathe  revenge,  and  for  the  combat  burn. 

As  on  some  mountain,  through  the  lofty  grove, 
The  crackling  flames  ascend,  and  blaze  above; 
The  fires  expanding,  as  the  winds  arise, 
Shoot  their  long  beams,  and  kindle  half  the  skies: 
So  from  the  polish'd  arms,  and  brazen  shields, 
A  gleamy  splendor  flash'd  along  the  fields. 
Not  less  their  number  than  the  embodied  cranes, 
Or  milk-white  swans  in  Asius'  water  nlains. 
That,  o'er  the  windings  of  Cayster's  springs,* 
Stretch  their  long  necks,  and  clap  their  rustling  wings, 
Now  tower  aloft,  and  course  in  airy  rounds. 
Now  liglit  with  noise;  with  noise  the  field  resounds. 
Thus  numerous  and  confused,  extending  wide, 
The  legions  crowd  Scamander's  flowery  side;f 

*  Fresh- water  fowl,  especially  swans,  were  found  in  great 
numbers  about  the  Asian  Marsh,  a  fenny  tract  of  country  in 
Lydia,  formed  by  the  riper  Cayster,  near  its  mouth.  See  Virgil, 
"  Georgics,"  vol.  i.  p.  383,  sq. 

f  Seamander,  or  Scamandros,  was  a  river  of  Troas,  rising,  ac- 
cording to  Strabo,  on  the  highest  part  of  Mount  Ida,  in  the  same 


THE  ILIAD.  101 

With  rushing  troops  the  plains  are  cover'd  o'er, 

And  thundering  footsteps  sliake  the  sounding  shore. 

Along  the  river's  level  meads  they  stand 

Thick  as  in  spring  the  flowers  adorn  the  laud, 

Or  leaves  the  tree;  or  thick  as  insects  pla}', 

The  wandering  nation  of  a  summer's  day : 

That,  drawn  by  milky  streams,  at  evening  hours, 

In  gather'd  swarms  surround  the  rural  bowers; 

From  pail  to  pail  with  busy  murmur  run 

The  gilded  legions,  glittering  in  the  sun. 

So  throng'd,  so  close,  the  Grecian  squadrons  stood 

In  radiant -arms,  and  thirst  for  Trojan  blood. 

Each  leader  now  his  scatter'd  force  conjoins 

In  close  array,  and  forms  the  deepening  lines. 

N'ot  with  more  ease  the  skillful  shepherd  SAvain 

Collects  his  flocks  from  thousands  on  the  plain. 

The  king  of  kings,  majestically  tall. 

Towers  o'er  his  armies,  and  outshines  them  all; 

Like  some  proud  bull,  that  round  the  pastures  leads 

His  subject  herds,  the  monarch  of  the  meads; 

Great  as  the  gods,  the  exalted  chief  was  seen, 

His  strength  like  Neptune,  and  like  Mars  his  mien;* 

Jove  o'er  his  eyes  celestial  glories  spread. 

And  dawning  conquest  played  around  his  head. 


bill  with  the  Granicus  and  the  (Edipus,  and  falling  into  the 
sea  at  Siga'uni;  everything  tends  to  identify  it  witli  Mendere,  as 
Wood,  Rennell,  and  others  maintain;  the  j\Iendere  is  forty  miles 
long,  300  feet  broad,  deep  in  the  time  of  flood,  nearly  dry  in  the 
summer.  Dr.  Clarke  successfully  coniljats  the  opinion  of  those 
who  make  the  Scamander  to  liave  arisen  from  the  springs  of 
liounabarshy,  and  traces  the  source  of  the  river  to  the  highest 
mountain  in  the  chain  of  Ida,  now  Kusdaghy;  receives  the 
Kimois  in  its  course;  toward  its  mouth  it  is  very  muddy,  and 
flows  through  marshes.  Between  the  Scamander  and  SimoTs, 
Homer's  Troy  is  supposed  to  have  stood:  tliis  river,  according  to 
Homer,  was  called  Xanthus  by  the  gods,  Scamander  by  men.  The 
waters  of  the  Scamander  had  the  singular  property  of  giving  a 
l)eautiful  color  to  the  hair  or  wool  of  such  animals  as  bathed  in 
them;  hence  the  three  goddesses,  Minerva,  Juno,  and  Venus, 
batlied  there  before  they  aj)peared  before  Paris  to  obtain  the 
golden  apple;  the  name  Xanthus,  "yellow,"  was  given  to  the 
Scamander  from  the  peculiar  color  of  its  waters,  still  ajiplicable 
to  the  Mendere,  the  yellow  color  of  whose  waters  attracts  the  at- 
tentif)n  of  travelers. 

*  It  shoulii  i)e,  "  his  c7i««Mike  Neptune."  The  torso  of  Neptune, 
in  tlie  "  Klgiii  .Marbles,"  No.  UW  (vol.  ii.  j)  20),  is  remarkable  for 
its  Ijreadth  and  ma.ssiveuess  of  development. 


102  THE  ILIAD. 

Say,  virgins,  seated  roiind  the  throne  divine, 
All-knowiug  goddesses!  immortal  nine!* 
Since  earth's  wide  regions,  heaven's  nnmeasur'd  height, 
And  hell's  abyss,  hide  nothing  from  yonr  sight, 
(We,  wretched  mortals!  lost  in  doubts  below. 
But  guess  by  rumor,  and  but  boast  we  know,) 
0  say  what  heroes,  fired  by  thirst  of  fame. 
Or  urged  by  wrongs,  to  Troy's  destruction  came. 
To  count  them  all,  demands  a  thousand  tongnes, 
A  throat  of  brass,  and  adamantine  lungs. 
Daughters  of  Jove,  assist!  inspired  by  you 
The  mighty  labor  dauntless  I  pursue; 
What  crowned  armies,  from  what  climes  they  bring. 
Their  names,  their  numbers,  and  their  chiefs  I  sing. 

THE   CATALOGUE   OF   THE   SHIPS,  f 

The  hardy  warriors  whom  Boeotia  bred, 
Penelius,  Leitus,  Prothoenor,  led : 


*  "  Say    first,    for  lieav'n   bides   nothing   from   tliy   view." — 
Paradise  Lost,"  i.  37. 

"  Ma  di'  tu,  Musa,  come  i  primi  danni 
Mandassero  a  Cristiani,  e  di  quai  parti: 
Tu  '1  sai;  ma  di  tant'  opra  a  noi  si  lunge 
Debil  aura  di  fama  appena  giunge." 

— "  Gier.  Lib."  iv.  19. 
f  "  The  Catalogue  is,  perhaps,  the  portion  of  the  poem  in  favor 
of  which  a  claim  to  separate  authorship  has  been  most  plausibly 
urged.  Although  the  example  of  Homer  has  since  rendered  some 
such  formal  enumeration  of  the  forces  engaged,  a  common  practice 
in  epic  poems  descriptive  of  great  warlike  adventures,  still  so 
minute  a  statistical  detail  can  neither  be  considered  as  impera- 
tively required,  nor  perhaps  such  as  would,  in  ordinary  cases, 
suggest  itself  to  the  mind  of  a  poet.  Yet  there  is  scarcely  any 
portion  of  the  Iliad  where  both  historical  and  internal  evidence 
are  more  clearly  in  favor  of  a  connection  with  the  remotest  period, 
with  the  remainder  of  the  work.  The  composition  of  the  Cata- 
logue, whensoever  it  may  have  taken  place,  necessarily  presumes 
its  author's  acquaintance  with  a  previously  existing  Iliad.  It 
were  impossible  otherwise  to  account  for  the  harmony  observable 
in  the  recurrence  of  so  vast  a  number  of  proper  names,  most  of 
them  historically  unimportant,  and  not  a  few  altogether  fictitious; 
or  of  so  many  geographical  and  genealogical  details  as  are  con- 
densed in  these  few  hundred  lines,  and  incidentally  scattered  over 
the  thousands  which  follow:  equally  inexplicable  were  the  pointed 
allusions  occurring  in  tb  is  episode  to  events  narrated  in  the  previous 
and  subsequent  text,  several  of  which  could  hardly  be  of  tradi- 
tional notoriety,  but  through  the  medium  of  the  Iliad." — Mure, 
"  Language  and  Literature  of  Greece,"  vol.  i.  p.  263. 


THE  ILIAD.  103 

With  these  Arcesihius  and  Clouins  stand, 

Equal  in  arms,  and  equal  in  conuuaud. 

These  head  the  troops  that  rocky  Aulis  yields, 

And  Eteon's  hills,  and  Hyrie's  watery  fields, 

And  Schoenos,  Scholos,  Grtea  near  the  main, 

And  Mycalessia's  ample  piny  plain; 

Those  who  in  Peteon  or  Ilesion  dwell, 

Or  Harma  where  Apollo's  prophet  fell; 

Heleon  and  Ilyle,  which  the  springs  o'erflow, 

And  Medeon  lofty,  and  Ocalea  low; 

Or  in  the  meads  of  Haliartus  stray, 

Or  Thespia-sacred  to  the  god  of  day: 

Onchestus,  Neptune's  celebrated  groves; 

Copae,  and  Thisbe's,  famed  for  silver  doves; 

For  flocks  Erythrje,  Glissa  for  the  vine; 

Platea  green,  and  Nysa  the  divine; 

And  they  whom  Thebe's  well-built  walls  inclose. 

Where  ^lyde,  Eutresis,  Corone,  rose; 

And  Arne  rich,  with  purple  harvests  crowu'd; 

And  Anthedon,  Bcjeotia's  utmost  bound. 

Full  fifty  ships  they  send,  and  each  conveys 

Twice  sixty  warriors  through  the  foaming  seas.* 

To  these  succeed  Aspledon's  martial  train, 
Who  plough  the  spacious  Orchomenian  plain. 
Two  valiant  brothers  rule  the  undaunted  throng, 
liilmen  and  Ascalaphus  the  strong: 
Sons  of  Astyoche,  the  heavenly  fair. 
Whose  virgin  charms  subdued  the  god  of  war: 


*  Ttnce  sixty:  "  Tbuc.ydides  observes  that  the  Boeotian  vessels, 
which  carried  one  hundred  and  twenty  men  each,  were  probably 
meant  to  be  the  largest  in  the  tieet,  and  th()^^e  of  Philoctetes, 
carrying  fifty  each,  the  smallest.  The  average  would  be  eighty- 
five,  and  Thucydides  supposes  the  troops  to  have  rowed  and 
navigated  themselves;  and  that  very  few,  besides  the  chiefs, 
w(;nt  as  mere  passengers  or  landsmen.  In  short,  we  have  in  the 
Homeric  descriptions  the  complete  picture  of  an  Indian  or  African 
war  canoe,  many  of  which  ar(;  considerably  larger  than  the  largest 
scale  assigned  to  tliose  of  tiie  (Jreeks.  If  tiie  total  number  of  the 
Greek  ships  be  taken  at  twelve  hundred,  according  to  Thucydides, 
although  in  point  of  fact  there  are  only  eleven  hundred  and 
eighty-six  in  the  Catalogue,  the  amount  of  the  army,  upon  the 
foregoing  average,  will  be  al)r)ut  a  hundred  and  two  thousand 
men.  Tlie  historian  considers  this  a  small  force;  as  representing 
all  Greece.  Hyrant,  comparing  it  with  the  allied  armies  at  I'latae, 
tiiinks  it  HO  large  as  to  prove  tlie  entire  falsehooil  of  the  whole 
story;  and  his  reasonings  and  calculatious  are,  for  their  curiosity, 
well  worth  a  careful  perusal." — Coleridge,  p.  211,  sq. 


104  TnE  ILIAD. 

(In  Actor's  court  as  slie  retired  to  rest. 

The  strength  of  .Mars  the  blushing  maid  compress'd) 

Their  troops  in  thirty  sable  vessels  sweep, 

With  equal  oars,  the  hoarse-resounding  deep. 

The  Phocians  next  in  forty  barks  repair; 
Epistrophus  and  Schedius  head  the  war: 
From  those  rich  regions  where  Cephisus  leads 
His  silver  current  through  the  flowery  meads; 
From  Panoptia,  Clirysa  the  divine, 
Where  Anemoria's  stately  turrets  shine, 
Where  Pytho,  Daulis  Cyparissus  stood. 
And  fair  Lilaj  views  the  rising  flood. 
These,  ranged  in  order  on  the  floating  tide, 
Close,  on  the  left,  the  bold  Boeotian's  side. 

Fierce  Ajax  led  the  Locrian  squadrons  on, 
Ajax  the  less,  Oileus'  valiant  son; 
Skill'd  to  direct  the  flying  dart  aright; 
Swift  in  pursuit,  and  active  in  the  fight. 
Him,  as  their  chief,  the  chosen  troops  attend, 
Which  Bessa,  Thronus,  and  rich  Cynos  send; 
Opus,  Calliarus,  and  Scarphe's  bands; 
And  those  who  dwell  wliere  pleasing  Augia  stands, 
And  where  Boiigrius  floats  the  lowly  lands, 
Or  in  fair  Tarphe's  sylvan  seats  reside: 
In  forty  vessels  cut  the  yielding  tide. 

Euboea  next  her  martial  sons  prepares, 
And  sends  the  brave  x\bantes  to  the  wars: 
Breathing  revenge,  in  arms  they  take  their  way 
From  Ohalcis'  walls,  and  strong  Eretria; 
The  Isteian  fields  for  generous  vines  renown'd, 
The  fair  Caristos,  and  the  Styrian  ground; 
Where  Dios  from  her  towers  o'erlooks  the  plain, 
And  high  Cerinthus  views  the  neighboring  main. 
Down  their  broad  shoulders  falls  a  length  of  hair; 
Their  hands  dismiss  not  the  long  lance  in  air; 
But  with  protended  spears  in  fighting  fields 
Pierce  the  tough  corslets  and  the  brazen  shields. 
Twice  twenty  ships  transport  the  warlike  bands, 
Which  bold  Elpheiujr,  fierce  in  arms,  commands. 

Fully  fifty  more  from  Athens  stem  the  main. 
Led  by  Menestheus  through  the  liquid  plain. 
(Athens  the  fair,  where  great  Erectheiis  sway'd, 
That  owed  his  nurture  to  the  blue-eyed  maid, 
But  from  the  teeming  furrow  took  his  birth, 
The  mighty  offspring  of  the  foodful  earth. 


THE  ILIAD.  105 

Him  Pallas  placed  amidst  her  wealthy  fane, 

Adored  with  sacrifice  and  oxen  slain ; 

Where,  as  the  years  revolve,  her  altars  blaze, 

And  all  the  tribes  resound  the  goddess'  praise.) 

No  chief  like  thee,  Menestheus!  Greece  could  yield, 

To  marshal  armies  in  the  dusty  field, 

The  extended  wings  of  battle  to  display. 

Or  close  the  embodied  host  in  firm  array.   "^ 

Nestor  alone,  improved  by  length  of  days, 

For  martial  conduct  bore  an  equal  praise. 

With  these  appear  the  Salaminian  bauds. 
Whom  the  gigantic  Telamon  commands; 
In  twelve  black  ships  to  Troy  they  steer  their  course, 
And  with  the  great  Athenians  join  their  force. 

Next  move  to  war  the  generous  Argive  train, 
From  high  Troezene,  and  Maseta's  j^lain, 
And  fair  iEgina  circled  by  the  main: 
Whom  strong  Tyrinthe's  lofty  walls  surround, 
And  Epidaure  with  viny  harvests  crown'd: 
And  where  fair  Asinen  and  Hermoin  show 
Their  cliffs  above,  and  ample  bay  below. 
These  by  the  brave  Eurylaus  were  led, 
Great  Sthenelus,  and  greater  Diomed; 
But  chief  Tydides  bore  the  sovereign  sway: 
In  fourscore  barks  they  plough  the  watery  way. 

The  proud  ^lycene  arms  her  martial  powers, 
Cleone,  Corinth,  with  imperial  towers,* 
Fair  Ar^thyrea,  Ornia's  fruitful  plain, 
And  yEgion,  and  Adrastus'  ancient  reign; 
And  those  who  dwell  along  the  sandy  shore, 
And  where  Peilene  yields  her  fleecy  store, 
Where  Ilelic^  and  Ilyperesia  lie. 
And  Gonoiissa's  spires  salute  the  sky. 
Great  Agamemnon  rules  the  numerous  band, 
A  hundred  vessels  in  long  order  stand, 
And  crowded  nations  wait  his  dread  command. 
High  on  the  deck  the  king  of  men  appears. 
And  his  refulgent  arms  in  triumph  wears; 
Proiul  of  his  host,  unrivall'd  in  his  reign, 
In  silent  pomp  he  moves  along  the  main. 

*Tlie  iiietition  of  Coriiitli  is  an  aiiachronisin,  as  that  city  m  as 
called  lOpliyrc  Ix-fore  its  (•a])tiire  by  tli(!  Dorians.  JJiit  Velloiiis, 
vol.  i.  !>.  '•'},  well  ohscrvcH  that  tin-  jioct  wimid  iiat  iirally  speak 
of  various  towns  and  cities  iiy  the  nani'js  hy  which  they  w(^re 
kiiowu  in  his  own   tinu;. 


106  TEE  ILIAD. 

His  brother  follows,  and  to  vengeance  warms 
The  hardy  Spartans,  exercised  in  arms: 
Pliares  and  Brysia's  valiant  troops,  and  those 
Whom  Lacedaemon's  lofty  hills  inclose; 
Or  Messe's  towers  for  silver  doves  renown'd, 
Amycla?,  Laas,  Augia's  happy  ground, 
And  those  whom  CEtylos'  low  walls  contain, 
And  Helos,  on  the  margin  of  the  main: 
These,  o'er  the  bending  ocean,  Helen's  canse, 
In  sixty  ships  with  Menelaiis  draws: 
Eager  and  loud  from  man  to  man  he  flies, 
Eevenge  and  fury  flaming  in  his  eyes; 
While  vainly  fond,  in  fancy  oft  he  hears 
The  fair  one's  grief,  and  sees  her  falling  tears. 

In  ninety  sail,  from  Pylos'  sandy  coast, 
Nestor  the  sage  conducts  his  chosen  host: 
Prom  Amphigenia's  ever-fruitful  land, 
Where  ^py  high,  and  little  Pteleon  stand; 
Where  beauteous  Arene  her  structures  shows, 
And  Thryon's  walls  Alpheus'  streams  inclose: 
And  Dorion,  famed  for  Thamyris'  disgrace, 
Superior  once  of  all  the  tuneful  race. 
Till,  vain  of  mortals'  empty  praise,  he  strove 
To  match  the  seed  of  cloud-compelling  Jove! 
Too  daring  bard!  whose  unsuccessful  pride 
The  immortal  Muses  in  their  art  defied. 
The  avenging  .Muses  of  the  light  of  day 
Deprived  his  eyes,  and  snatch'd  his  voice  away; 
No  more  his  heavenly  voice  was  heard  to  sing, 
His  hand  no  more  awaked  the  silver  string. 

Where  under  high  Cyllene,  crown'd  with  wood, 
The  shaded  tomb  of  old  ^pytus  stood; 
From  Eipe,  Stratie,  Tegea's  bordering  towns. 
The  Phenean  fields,  and  Orchomenian  downs, 
AVhere  the  fat  herds  in  plenteous  pasture  rove; 
And  Stymphelus  with  her  surrounding  grove; 
Parrhasia,  on  her  snowy  cliffs  reclined, 
And  high  Enispe  shook  by  wintry  wind. 
And  fair  Mantinea's  ever-pleasing  site; 
In  sixty  sail  the  Arcadian  bands  unite. 
Bold  Agapenor,  glorious  at  their  head, 
(Ancaeus'  son)  the  mighty  squadron  led. 
Their  ships,  supplied  by  Agamemnon's  care, 
Through  roaring  seas  tlie  wondering  warriors  bear 


TEE  ILIAD.  107 

The  first  to  battle  ou  the  appointed  plain, 
But  new  to  all  the  dangers  of  the  main. 

Those,  where  fair  Elis  and  Buprasium  join; 
Whom  Hyrmin,  here,  and  Myrsinus  confine. 
And  bounded  there,  where  o'er  the  valleys  rose 
The  Olenian  rock;  and  where  Alisium  flows; 
Beneath  four  chiefs  (a  numerous  army)  came: 
The  strength  and  glory  of  the  Epean  name. 
In  separate  squadrons  these  their  train  divide, 
Each  leads  ten  vessels  through  the  yielding  tide. 
Ooe  was  Amphimachus,  and  Thalpius  one; 
(Eurytus'  this,  and  that  Teiitus'  son;) 
Diores  sprung  from  Amarynceus'  line; 
And  great  Polyxenns,  of  force  divine. 

But  those  who  view  fair  Elis  o'er  the  seas 
From  the  blest  islands  of  the  Echinades, 
In  forty  vessels  under  Meges  move. 
Begot  by  Phyleus,  the  beloved  of  Jove: 
To  strong  Dulichium,  from  his  sire  he  fled. 
And  thence  to  Troy  his  hardy  warriors  led. 

Ulysses  followed  through  the  watery  road, 
A  chief,  in  wisdom  equal  to  a  god. 
With  those  whom  Cephalenia's  line  Inclosed, 
Or  till  their  fields  along  the  coast  opposed; 
Or  where  fair  Ithaca  o'erlooks  the  floods. 
Where  high  Neritos  shakes  his  waving  woods, 
Where  iEgilipa's  rugged  sides  are  seen, 
Crocylia  rocky,  and  Zacynthus  green. 
These  in  twelve  galleys  with  vermilion  prores. 
Beneath  his  conduct  sought  the  Phrygian  shores. 

Thoas  came  next,  Andrsemon's  valiant  son, 
From  Pleuron's  walls,  and  chalky  Calydon, 
And  rough  Pylene,  and  the  Olenian  steep. 
And  Chalcis,"'beaten  by  the  rolling  deep. 
He  led  the  warriors  from  the  ^tolian  shore, 
P'or  now  the  sons  of  CEnous  were  no  more! 
The  glories  of  the  mighty  race  were  fled! 
ffiueus  himself,  and  Meleager  dead! 
To  Thoas'  care  now  trust  the  martial  train, 
llis  forty  vessels  follow  through  the  main. 

Next,  eighty  barks  the  Cretan  king  commands. 
Of  Gnossus,  Lyctus,  and  Gortyna's  bands; 
And  those  who"  dwi^li  where  lihytion's  domes  arise, 
Or  white  Lycastus  glitters  to  the  skies. 


108  THE  ILIAD. 

Or  where  by  Phfestns  silver  Jardau  rims;  , 

Crete's  hundred  cities  ponr  t'ortli  all  her  sons. 
These  march'd,  Idoinonens,  beneath  thy  care, 
And  Merion,  dreadful  as  the  god  of  war. 

Tlepolemus,  the  son  of  Hercules, 
Led  nine  swift  vessels  through  the  foamy  seas. 
From  Rhodes,  with  everlasting  sunshine  bright, 
Jalyssus,  Lindus,  and  Camirus  white. 
Ilis  captive  mother  fierce  Alcides  bore 
From  Eph yr's  walls  and  Selle's  winding  shore, 
"Where  mighty  towns  in  ruins  spread  the  plain. 
And  saw  their  blooming  warriors  early  slain. 
The  hero,  when  to  manly  years  he  grew, 
Alcides'  uncle,  old  Licymnius,  slew; 
For  this,  constrain'd  to  quit  his  native  place, 
And  shun  the  vengeance  of  the  Herculean  race, 
A  fleet  he  built,  and  with  a  numerous  train 
Of  willing  exiles  wander'd  o'er  the  main; 
Where,  many  seas  and  many  sufferings  past. 
On  happy  Rhodes  the  chief  arrived  at  last: 
Therein  three  tribes  divides  his  native  band. 
And  rules  them  peaceful  in  a  foreign  land ; 
Increased  and  prosper'd  in  their  new  abodes 
By  mighty  Jove,  the  sire  of  men  and  gods; 
With  joy  they  saw  the  growing  empire  rise. 
And  showers  of  wealth  descending  from  the  skies. 

Three  ships  with  Nireus  sought  the  Trojan  shore, 
Nireus,  whom  Agiile  to  Charopus  bore, 
Nireus,  in  faultless  shape  and  blooming  grace, 
The  loveliest  youth  of  all  the  Grecian  race;* 
Pel  ides  only  match 'd  his  early  charms; 
But  few  his  troops,  and  small  his  strength  in  arms. 

Next  thirty  galleys  cleave  the  liquid  plain. 
Of  those  Calydnse's  sea-girt  isles  contain; 
With  them  the  youth  of  Nisyrus  repair. 
Casus  the  strong,  and  Crapathus  the  fair; 
Cos,  where  Eurypylus  possess'd  the  sway. 
Till  groat  Alcides  made  the  realms  obey: 
Tliese  Antiphus  and  bold  Phidippus  bring. 
Sprung  from  the  god  by  Thessalus  the  king. 

Now,  Muse,  recount  Pelasgic  Argos'  powers. 
From  Alos,  Alope,  and  Trechin's  towers: 

*  "  Adam,  the  goodliest  man  of  men  since  born, 
His  sons,  the  fairest  of  lier  daiigliters  Eve." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  333. 


TEE  ILIAD.  109 

From  Phthia's  spacious  vales;  and  Hella,  bless'd 

With  female  beauty  far  beyoud  the  rest. 

Full  fifty  ships  beneath  Achilles  care, 

The  Achaians,  Myrmidons,  Hellenians  bear; 

Thessalians  all,  though  various  in  their  wame; 

The  same  their  nation,  and  their  chief  the  same. 

But  now  inglorious,  stretch'd  along  the  shore, 

They  hear  the  brazen  voice  of  war  no  more; 

No  more  the  foe  they  face  in  dire  array: 

Close  in  his  fleet  the  angry  leader  lay; 

Since  fair  Briseis  from  his  arms  was  torn, 

The  noblest  spoil  from  sack'd  Lyrnessus  borne, 

Then,  when  the  chief  the  Theban  walls  o'erthrew, 

And  the  bold  sons  of  great  Evenus  slew. 

There  mourn'd  Achilles,  plunged  in  depth  of  care 

But  soon  to  rise  in  slaughter,  blood,  and  war. 

To  these  the  youth  of  Phylace  succeed, 
Itona,  famous  for  her  fleecy  breed, 
And  grassy  Pteleon  deck'd  with  cheerful  greens, 
The  bowers  of  Ceres,  and  the  sylvan  scenes. 
Sweet  Pyrrhasus,  with  blooming  flowerets  crown'd. 
And  Antron's  watery  dens,  and  cavern'd  ground. 
These  own'd,  as  chief,  Protesilas  the  brave, 
Who  now  lay  silent  in  the  gloomy  grave: 
The  first  who  boldly  touch'd  the  Trojan  shore, 
And  dyed  a  Phrygian  lance  with  Grecian  gore; 
There  lies,  far  distant  from  liis  native  plain; 
Uufinish'd  his  proud  i^alaces  remain. 
And  his  sad  consort  beats  her  breast  in  vain. 
His  troops  in  forty  ships  Podarces  led, 
Iphiclus'  son,  and  brother  to  the  dead; 
Nor  he  unworthy  to  command  the  host; 
Yet  still  they  moui'ii'd  their  ancient  leader  lost. 

The  men  who  (Jlaj)liyra's  fair  soil  [)artake, 
Where  hills  incircle  Bathe's  lowly  lake, 
AVhere  Pluvre  hears  the  neighljoring  waters  fall, 
Or  proud  lolcus  lifts  her  airy  wall. 
In  ten  black  ships  ombark'd  for  llion'e  shore, 
Witli  bold  Euniehis,  whom  Alcoste  bore: 
All  i'elias'  race  Alcestc  far  outsliined. 
The  grace  and  glory  of  the  hcauUious  kind. 

The  troops  Methone  or  'I'liaumacla  yields, 
Olizon's  rocks,  or  ]\I(!lil)(i;a\s  fields. 
With  Piiiloctetes  sail'd,  whose  matchless  art 
From  the  tough  bow  directs  the  feather'd  dart. 


110  THE  ILIAD. 

Seven  were  his  ships;  each  vessel  fifty  row, 
Skill'd  ill  his  science  of  the  dart  and  bow.  _ 

But  he  la}^  raging  on  the  Lemnian  ground, 
A  poisonous  hydra  gave  the  burning  wound; 
There  groau'd  the  chief  in  agonizing  pain, 
AVhom  Greece  at  length  shall  wish,  nor  wish  in  vain. 
His  forces  Medou  led  from  Lemnos'  shore, 
Oi'leus'  son,  whom  beauteous  Ehena  bore. 

The  Qilchalian  race,  in  those  high  towers  contain'd. 
Where  once  Eurytus  in  proud  triumph  reign'd, 
Or  where  her  humbler  turrets  Tricca  rears, 
Or  where  Ithome,  rough  with  rocks,  appears, 
In  thirty  sail  the  sparkling  waves  divide, 
AYhich  Podalirius  and  Machaon  guide. 
To  these  his  skill  their  parent-god  imparts, 
Divine  professors  of  the  healing  arts. 

The  bold  Ormenian  and  Asterian  bands 
In  forty  barks  Eurypylus  commands. 
Where  Titan  hides  his  hoary  head  in  snow. 
And  where  Hyperia's  silver  fountains  flow. 
Thy  troops,  Argissa,  Poly  pates  leads. 
And  Eleon  shelter'd  by  Olympus'  shades, 
Gyrtone's  warriors;  and  where  Orthd  lies. 
And  Oloosson's  chalky  cliffs  arise. 
Sprung  from  Pirithoiis  of  immortal  race, 
The  fruit  of  fair  Hippodame's  embrace, 
(That  day,  when  hurl'd  from  Pelion's  cloudy  head, 
To  distant  dens  the  shaggy  Centaurs  fled) 
With  Polypoetes  join'd  in  equal  sway 
Lonteus  leads,  and  forty  ships  obey. 

In  twenty  sail  the  bold  Perrhaebians  came 
From  Cyphus,  Guneus  Avas  their  leader's  name. 
With  these  the  Enians  join'd,  and  those  who  freeze 
Where  cold  Dodona  lifts  her  holy  trees; 
Or  where  the  pleasing  Titaresius  glides, 
And  into  Peneus  rolls  his  easy  tides; 
Yet  o'er  the  silvery  surface  pure  they  flow. 
The  sacred  stream  unmix'd  with  streams  below, 
Sacred  and  awful!  from  the  dark  abodes 
Styx  pours  them  forth,  the  dreadful  oath  of  gods! 

Last,  under  Protbous  the  Magnesians  stood, 
(Prothous  the  SAvift,  of  old  Tenthredon's  blood;) 
Who  dwell  where  Pelion,  crown'd  with  piny  boughs, 
Obscures  the  glade,  and  nods  his  shaggy  brows; 


THE  ILIAD.  Ill 

Or  where  through  flowery  Tempe  Peneus  stray'd: 
(The  region  stretch M  beneath  his  mighty  shade:) 
In  forty  sable  barks  they  stemui'd  the  main; 
Such  were  the  chiefs,  and  such  the  Grecian  train. 

Say  next,  0  Muse  I  of  all  Achaia  breeds, 
Who  bravest  fought,  or  reiu'd  the  noblest  steeds? 
Eumelus'  mares  were  foremost  in  the  chase, 
As  eagles  fleet,  and  of  Pheretian  race; 
Bred  where  Pieria's  fruitful  fountains  flow. 
And  train 'd  by  him  who  bears  the  silver  bow. 
Fierce  in  the  tight  their  uostrils  breathed  a  flame, 
Their  height,  their  color,  and  their  age  the  same; 
O'er  fields  of  death  they  whirl  the  rapid  car. 
And  break  the  ranks,  and  thunder  through  the  war. 
AJax  in  arms  the  first  renown  acquired. 
While  stern  Achilles  in  his  wrath  retired: 
(His  was  the  strength  that  mortal  might  exceeds, 
And  his  the  unrivall'd  race  of  heavenly  steeds:) 
But  Thetis'  son  now  shines  in  arms  no  more; 
His  troops,  neglected  on  tlie  sandy  shore. 
In  empty  air  their  sportive  javelins  throw. 
Or  whirl  the  disk,  or  bend  an  idle  bow: 
Unstain'd  with  blood  his  cover'd  chariots  stand; 
The  immortal  coursers  graze  along  the  strand; 
But  the  brave  chiefs  tae  inglorious  life  deplored, 
And,  wamiering  o'er  the  camp,  required  their  lord. 

Now,  like  a  deluge,  covering  all  around. 
The  shining  armies  sweep  along  the  ground; 
Swift  as  a  flood  of  fire,  when  storms  arise. 
Floats  the  wild  field,  and  blazes  to  the  skies. 
Earth  groan'd  beneath  them;  as  when  angry  Jove 
Hurls  down  the  forky  lightning  from  above, 
On  Arime  when  he  the  thunder  throws, 
And  fires  Typhosus  with  redoubled  blows. 
Where  Typhon,  press'd  beneath  the  burning  load, 
Still  feels  the  fury  of  the  avenging  god. 

But  various  Iris,  Jove's  commands  to  bear, 
Speeds  on  the  wings  of  winds  through  liquid  air; 
In  Priam's  porch  the  Trojan  ciiiefs  she  found, 
The  old  consulting,  and  tlio  youths  arctund, 
Polites'  Hha])e,  the  monarch's  son,  she  chose, 
Who  from  ^Esetes'  tomb  observed  the  foes,* 

*  ^HCtes' tovih.  Monuments  were  often  built  on  the  seuuoast, 
and  of  a  considerable  heij^lit,  so  as  to  serve  as  watcli-towers  or 
landmarks.  See  my  notes  to  my  prose  translations  of  the 
"  Odyssey,"  ii.  p.  31,  or  on  Eur.  "  Alcesi."  vol.  i.  p.  240. 


112  TEE  ILIAD. 

High  on  the  monnd;  from  whence  in  prospect  lay 
The  fields,  the  tents,  the  navy,  and  the  bay. 
In  this  dissembled  form,  she  hastes  to  bring 
The  unwelcome  message  to  the  Phrygian  king. 

"Cease  to  consult,  the  time  for  action  calls; 
War,  horrid  war,  approaches  to  your  walls! 
Assembled  armies  oft  have  I  beheld; 
But  ne'er  till  now  such  numbers  charged  a  field: 
Thick  as  autumnal  leaves  or  driving  sand. 
The  moving  squadrons  blacken  all  the  strand. 
Thou,  godlike  Hector!  all  thy  force  employ, 
Assemble  all  the  united  bauds  of  Troy; 
In  just  array  let  every  leader  call 
The  foreign  troops:  this  day  demands  them  all!" 

The  voiced  divine  the  mighty  chief  alarms; 
The  council  breaks,  the  warriors  rush  to  arms. 
The  gates  unfolding  pour  forth  all  their  train, 
Nations  on  nations  fill  the  dusky  plain. 
Men,  steeds,  and  chariots,  shake  the  trembling  ground. 
The  tumult  thickens,  and  the  skies  resound. 

Amidst  the  plain,  in  sight  of  Ilion,  stands 
A  rising  mount,  the  work  of  human  hands; 
(This  for  Myrinne's  tomb  the  immortals  know, 
Though  cali'd  Bateia  in  the  world  below;) 
Beneath  their  chiefs  in  martial  order  here, 
The  auxiliar  troops  and  Trojan  hosts  appear. 

The  godlike  Hector,  high  above  the  rest. 
Shakes  his  huge  spear,  and  nods  his  plumy  crest: 
In  throngs  around  his  native  bands  repair, 
And  groves  of  lances  glitter  in  the  air. 

Divine  ^'Eneas  brings  the  Dardan  race, 
Anchises'  son,  by  Venus'  stolen  embrace, 
Born  in  the  shades  of  Ida's  secret  grove; 
(A  mortal  mixing  with  the  queen  of  love;) 
Archilochus  and  Acamas  divide 
The  warrior's  toils,  and  combat  by  his  side. 

Who  fair  Zeleia's  wealthy  valleys  till,* 
Fast  by  the  foot  of  Ida's  sacred  hill, 
Or  drink,  yEsepus,  of  thy  sable  flood, 
Were  led  by  Pandarus,  of  royal  blood; 
To  whom  his  art  Apollo  deign'd  to  show, 
Graced  witii  the  presents  of  his  shafts  and  bow. 

*  Zeleia,  another  name  for  Lycia.  The  inhabitants  were  greatly 
devoted  to  the  worship  of  Apollo.  See  Miiller,  "  Dorians,"  vol.  i. 
p.  248. 


TUE  ILIAD.  113 

From  rich  Apjesns  and  Adrestia's  towers, 
High  Teree's  summits  and  Pityea's  bowers; 
From  these  the  congregated  troops  obey 
Young  Aniphius  and  Adrastus'  equal  sway; 
Old  Merops'  sons;  whom,  skill'd  in  fates  to  come, 
The  sire  forewaru'd,  and  prophesied  their  doom: 
Fate  urged  them  on!  the  sire  forewarn'd  in  vain, 
They  rush'd  to  war,  and  perish'd  on  the  plain. 

From  Practius'  stream,  Percotes  pasture  lands. 
And  Sestos  and  Abydos  neighboring  strands, 
From  great  Arisba's  walls  and  Selle's  coast, 
Asius  Hyrtacides  conducts  his  host: 
High  on  his  car  he  shakes  the  flowing  reins, 
His  fiery  coursers  thunder  o'er  the  plains. 

The  fierce  Pelasgi  next,  in  war  renown'd, 
March  from  Larissa's  ever-fertile  ground: 
In  equal  arms  their  brother  leaders  shine, 
Hippothous  bold,  and  Pyleus  the  divine. 

Next  Acamas  and  Pyrous  lead  their  hosts. 
In  dread  array,  from  Thracia's  wintry  coasts; 
Round  the  bleak  realms  where  Hellespontus  roars, 
And  Boreas  beats  the  hoarse-resounding  shores. 

With  great  Euphemus  the  Ciconiaus  move. 
Sprung  from  Troezenian  Ceiis,  loved  by  Jove. 

Pyrffichmes  the  Pteonian  troops  attend, 
Skill'd  in  the  fight  their  crooked  bows  to  bend; 
From  Axiiis'  ample  bed  he  leads  them  on, 
Axius,  that  laves  the  distant  Amydon, 
Axius,  that  swells  with  all  his  neighboring  rills, 
And  wide  around  the  floating  region  fills. 

The  Paphlagonians  Pyhvmenes  rules, 
Where  rich  llenetia  breeds  her  savage  mules. 
Where  Erythinus'  rising  cliffs  are  seen. 
Thy  groves  of  box,  Cytorus!  ever  green, 
And  Avhere  vEgialus  and  Cromna  lie, 
And  lofty  Sesamus  invades  the  sky, 
And  wheie  Parthenius,  roU'd  through  banks  of  flowers, 
Iteflects  her  bordering  palaces  and  bowers. 

Here  march'd  in  arms  the  Halizonian  band. 
Whom  Odius  and  Epistrophiis  conimaiid. 
From  those  far  regions  where  the  sun  refines 
The  ripeiiiiiLj  silver  in  Alyb(!;in  niiiios. 

Tht'i'o  iiiiiility  Cliromi.s  UmI  the  ^Mysian  train. 
And  augur  Enuomus,  inspired  in  vain; 


114  THE  ILIAD. 

For  stern  Achilles  lopp'd  his  sacred  head, 
lioll'd  down  Scaniander  with  the  Yiijf^ar  dead. 

Phorcys  and  brave  Ascanius  here  uiiite 
The  Ascanian  Phrygians  eager  for  the  fight. 

Of  tiiose  who  ronnd  Mseonia's  realms  reside, 
Or  whom  the  vales  in  shades  of  Tmolus  hide, 
Mestles  and  Antiphus  the  charge  partake, 
Born  on  the  banks  of  Gyges'  silent  lake. 
There,  from  the  ticlds  where  wild  Marauder  flows, 
High  Mycale,  and  Latmos'  shady  brows, 
And  proud  Miletus,  came  the  Carian  throngs, 
With  mingled  clamors  and  with  barbarous  tongues.* 
Amphimachus  and  JSTaustes  guide  the  train, 
Naustes  the  bold,  Amphimachus  the  vain, 
Who,  trick'd  with  gold,  and  glitteriug  on  his  car, 
Eode  like  a  woman  to  the  field  of  war. 
Fool  that  he  was!  by  fierce  Achilles  slain. 
The  river  swept  him  to  the  briny  main: 
There  whelm'd  with  waves  the  gaudy  warrior  lies, 
The  valiant  victor  seized  the  golden  prize. 

The  forces  last  in  fair  array  succeed, 
Which  blameless  Glaucus  and  Sarpedon  lead 
The  warlike  bands  that  distant  Lycia  yields. 
Where  gulfy  Xanthus  foams  along  the  fields. 

*  Barbaroua  tongues.  "Various  as  were  tlie  dialects  of  tlie 
Greeks — and  these  differences  existed  not  only  between  the  several 
tribes,  but  even  between  neighboring  cities — they  yet  acknowl- 
edged in  their  language  that  they  formed  but  one  nation — were 
but  branches  of  the  same  family.  Homer  has  '  men  of  other 
tongues;'  and  yet  Homer  had  no  general  name  for  the  Greek 
nation." — Heereu,  "  Ancient  Greece,"  §  vii.  p.  107,  sq. 


THE  ILIAD.  115 


BOOK  III. 

AEGUMENT. 

THE   DUEL   OF   MENELAUS   AND    PARIS. 

The  armies  being  ready  to  engage,  a  single  combat  is  agreed  upon 
between  Menelaiis  and  Paris  (by  tlie  intervention  of  Hector) 
for  the  determination  of  the  war.  Iris  is  sent  to  call  Helen 
to  behold  the  fight.  She  leads  her  to  the  walls  of  Troy, 
where  Priam  sat  with  his  counsellors  observing  the  Grecian 
leaders  on  the  plain  below,  to  whom  Helen  gives  an  account 
of  the  chief  of  them.  The  kings  on  either  part  take  the 
solemn  oath  for  the  conditions  of  the  combat.  The  duel 
ensues;  wherein  Paris  being  overcome,  he  is  snatched  away 
in  a  cloud  by  Venus,  and  transported  to  his  apartment.  She 
then  calls  Helen  from  the  walls,  and  bring  the  lovers  together. 
Agamemnon,  on  the  part  of  the  Grecians,  demands  the  res- 
toration of  Helen,  and  the  performance  of  the  articles. 

The  three-and-twentieth  day  still  continues  throughout 
this  book.  The  scene  is  sometimes  in  the  fields  before  Troy, 
and  sometimes  in  Troy  itself. 

Thus  by  their  leaders'  care  each  martial  band 
Moves  into  ranks,  and  stretches  o'er  the  land. 
With  shouts  the  Ti'ojans,  rushing  from  afar, 
Proclaim  their  motions,  and  provoke  the  war. 
So  when  inclement  winters  vex  the  plain 
With  piercing  frosts,  or  thick-descending  rain, 
To  warmer  seas  the  cranes  emljodied  11}',* 
With  noise,  and  order,  through  the  midway  sky; 
To  pigmy  nations  wounds  and  death  they  bring, 
And  all  the  war  descends  upon  the  wing, 

*  The  cranes. 

"  Marltiiig  the  tracts  of  air,  the  clamorous  cranes 
Wheel  lh(ur  due  flight  in  varied  ranks  descries!: 
And  each  with  outstretcli'd  neck  his  ranic  maintains, 
In  marshallM  order  through  tii'  ctliereal  void." 

—  Jjort^Mzo  (1<;  .Medici,  in  Uoacoe's  Life,  Appendix. 
See  Gary's  Dante:  "  Hell,"  canto  v. 


IIQ  TEE  ILIAD. 

But  silent,  breathing  rage,  resolved  and  skill'd* 
By  nuitual  aids  to  Ox  a  doubtful  field, 
Swift  march  the  Greeks:  tlie  rapid  dust  around 
Darkening  arises  from  the  labor'd  ground. 
Thus  from  his  flaggy  wings  when  Nohis  sheds 
A  night  of  vapors  round  the  mountain  heads, 
Swift-gliding  mists  the  dusky  fields  invade, 
To  thieves  more  grateful  than  the  midnight  shade; 
While  scarce  the  swains  their  feeding  flocks  survey, 
Lost  and  confused  amidst  the  thicken'd  day: 
So  wrapp'd  in  gathering  dust,  the  Grecian  train, 
A  moving  cloud,  swept  on,  and  hid  the  plain. 

Now  front  to  front  the  hostile  armies  stand, 
Eager  of  fight,  and  only  wait  command; 
When,  to  the  van,  before  the  sons  of  fame 
Whom  Troy  sent  forth,  the  beauteous  Paris  came: 
In  form  a  god!  the  panther's  speckled  hide 
Flow'd  o'er  his  armor  with  an  easy  pride: 
His  bended  bow  across  his  shoulders  flung, 
His  sword  beside  him  negligently  hung; 
Two  pointed  spears  he  shook  with  gallant  grace, 
And  dared  the  bravest  of  the  Grecian  race. 

As  thus,  with  glorious  air  and  proud  disdain, 
He  boldly  stalk'd,  the  foremost  on  the  plain, 
Him  Menelaiis,  loved  of  Mars,  espies. 
With  heart  elated,  and  with  joyful  eyes: 
So  joys  a  lion,  if  the  branching  deer, 
Or  mountain  goat,  his  bulky  prize,  appear; 
Eager  he  seizes  and  devours  the  slain, 
Press'd  by  bold  youths  and  baying  dogs  in  vain. 
Thus  fond  of  vengeance,  with  a  furious  bound, 
In  clanging  arms  he  leaps  upon  the  ground 
From  his  high  chariot:  him,  approaching  near, 
The  beauteous  champion  views  with  marks  of  fear, 
Smit  with  a  conscious  sense,  retires  behind. 
And  shuns  the  fate  he  well  deserved  to  find. 
As  when  some  shepherd,  from  the  rustling  treesf 

*  JSilent,  breathing  rage. 

"  Thus  tbey 
Breathing  united  force  with  fixed  thought. 
Moved  on  iu  silence." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  book  1.  559. 
f "  As  when  some  peasant  in  a  bushy  bralve 
Has  with  unwary  footing  press'd  a  snake; 
He  starts  aside,  astonish'd  when  he  spies 
His  rising  crest,  blue  neck,  and  rolling  eyes." 

—  Dry  den's  Virgil,  ii.  510. 


THE  ILIAD.  117 

Shot  forth  to  view,  a  sculy  serpent  sees, 
Trembling  and  pale,  he  starts  with  wild  affright 
And  all  confused  precipitates  his  flight: 
So  from  the  king  the  shining  warrior  flies. 
And  plunged  amid  the  thickest  Trojans  lies. 

As  godlike  Hector  sees  the  prince  retreat, 
He  thus  upbraids  him  with  a  generous  heat: 
*'Unhapp\'  ParisI*  but  to  women  brave! 
So  fairly  form'd,  and  only  to  deceive! 
Oh,  hadst  thou  died  when  first  thou  saw'st  the  light, 
Or  died  at  least  before  thy  nuptial  rite! 
A  better  fate  than  vainly  thus  to  boast, 
And  fly,  the  scandal  of  thy  Trojan  host. 
Gods!  how  the  scornful  Greeks  exult  to  see 
Their  fears  of  danger  undeceived  in  thee! 
Thy  figure  promised  with  a  martial  air, 
But  ill  thy  soul  supplies  a  form  so  fair. 
In  former  days,  in  all  thy  gallant  pride, 
AVhen  thy  tall  ships  triumphant  stemm'd  the  tide, 
When  Greece  beheld  thy  painted  canvas  flow, 
And  crowds  stood  wondering  at  the  passing  show. 
Say,  was  it  thus,  with  such  a  baffled  mien. 
You  met  the  approaches  of  the  Spartan  queen, 
Thus  from  her  realm  conveyed  the  beauteous  prize. 
And  both  her  warlike  lords  outshined  in  Helen's  eyes? 
This  deed,  thy  foes'  delight,  thy  own  disgrace, 
Thy  father's  grief,  and  ruin  of  thy  race; 
This  deed  recalls  thee  to  tlie  profl"er'd  fight; 
Or  hast  thou  injured  whom  thou  dars't  not  right? 
Soon  to  thy  cost  the  field  would  make  thee  know 
Thou  keep'st  the  consort  of  a  braver  foe. 
Thy  graceful  form  instilling  soft  desire. 
Thy  curling  tresses,  and  thy  silver  lyre, 
Beauty  and  youth;  in  vain  to  these  you  trust. 
When  youth  and  beauty  shall  be  laid  in  dust: 
Troy  yet  may  wake,  and  one  avenging  blow 
Crush  the  dire  author  of  his  country's  woe." 

His  silence  here,  with  blushes,  Paris  breaks: 
**  'Tis  just,  my  brotlicr,  what  your  anger  speaks: 
But  who  like  thee  can  boast  a  soul  sedate, 
So  firmly  proof  to  all  the  shocks  of  fate? 

*  ^v67rapi<!,  i.  e.,  unlucky,  ill-fate'l  Paris.  Tliis  nlhides  to  the 
fvils  wliicli  resultfttl  from  liis  liuving  bueu  brought  up,  desi)ite 
the  omens  which  attended  his  birth. 


118  THE  ILIAD. 

Thy  force,  like  steel,  a  temper'd  hardness  shows, 

Still  edged  to  woinid,  and  still  uiitired  with  blows, 

Like  steel,  uplifted  by  some  strenuous  swain. 

With  falling  woods  to  strew  the  wasted  plain. 

Thy  gifts  I  praise;  nor  thou  despise  the  charms 

With  which  a  lover  golden  Venus  arms; 

Soft  moving  speech,  and  pleasing  outward  show, 

No  wish  can  gain  them,  but  the  gods  bestow. 

Yet,  would'st  thou  have  the  profl'er'd  combat  stand, 

The  Greeks  and  Trojans  seat  on  either  hand; 

Then  let  a  midway  space  our  hosts  divide, 

And,  on  that  stage  of  war,  the  cause  be  tried: 

By  Paris  there  the  Spartan  king  be  fought. 

For  beauteous  Helen  and  the  wealth  she  brought; 

And  who  his  rival  can  in  arms  subdue, 

His  be  the  fair,  and  his  the  treasure  too. 

Thus  with  a  lasting  league  your  toils  may  cease, 

And  Troy  possess  her  fertile  fields  in  peace; 

Thus  may  the  Greeks  review  their  native  shore. 

Much  famed  for  generous  steeds,  for  beauty  more.'* 

He  said.     The  challenge  Hector  heard  with  joy, 
Then  with  his  spear  restrain'd  the  youth  of  Troy, 
Held  by  the  midst,  athwart;  and  near  the  foe 
Advanced  with  steps  majestically  slow; 
While  round  his  dauntless  head  the  Grecians  pour 
Their  stones  and  arrows  in  a  mingled  shower. 

Then  thus  the  monarch,  great  Atrides,  cried: 
"Forbear,  ye  warriors!  lay  the  darts  aside: 
A  parley  Hector  asks,  a  message  bears; 
We  know  him  by  the  various  plume  he  wears.'* 
Awed  by  his  high  command  the  Greeks  attend. 
The  tumult  silence,  and  the  fight  suspend. 

While  from  the  center  Hector  rolls  his  eyes 
On  either  host,  and  thus  to  both  applies: 
"Hear,  all  ye  Trojan,  all  ye  Grecian  bands. 
What  Paris,  author  of  the  war,  demands. 
Your  shining  swords  within  the  sheath  restrain. 
And  pitch  your  lances  in  the  yielding  plain. 
Here  in  the  midst,  in  either  army's  sight. 
He  dares  the  Spartan  king  to  single  fight; 
And  wills  that  Helen  and  the  ravish'd  spoil. 
That  caused  the  contest,  shall  reward  the  toil. 
Let  these  the  brave  triumphant  victor  grace. 
And  different  nations  part  in  leagues  of  peace." 

He  spoke:  in  still  suspense  on  either  side 
Each  army  stood:  the  Spartan  chief  replied: 


THE  ILIAD.  110 

"Me  too,  ye  warriors,  hear,  whose  fatal  right 
A  world  engages  in  the  toils  of  fight. 
To  me  the  labor  of  the  field  resign; 
Me  Paris  injured;  all  the  war  be  mine. 
Fall  he  that  mast,  beneath  his  rival's  arms; 
And  live  the  rest,  secure  of  future  harms. 
Two  lambs,  devoted  by  your  country's  rite. 
To  earth  a  sable,  to  the  sun  a  white. 
Prepare,  ye  TrojansI  while  a  third  we  bring 
Select  to  Jove,  the  inviolable  king. 
Let  reverend  Priam  in  the  truce  engage. 
And  add  the  sanction  of  considerate  age; 
His  sons  are  faithless,  headlong  in  debate, 
And  youth  itself  an  empty  wavering  state; 
Cool  age  advances,  venerably  wise. 
Turns  on  all  hands  its  deep-discerning  eyes; 
Sees  what  befell,  and  what  may  yet  befall. 
Concludes  from  both,  and  best  provides  for  all. 

The  nations  hear  witli  rising  hopes  possess'd. 
And  peaceful  prospects  dawn  in  every  breast. 
Within  the  lines  they  drew  their  steeds  around. 
And  from  their  cliariots  issued  on  the  ground: 
Next,  all  unbuckling  the  rich  mail  they  wore, 
Laid  their  bright  arms  along  the  sable  shore. 
On  either  side  the  meeting  hosts  are  seen 
With  lances  fix'd,  and  close  the  space  between. 
Two  heralds  now,  dispatch'd  to  Troy,  invite 
The  Phrygian  monarch  to  the  peaceful  rite. 

Talthybius  hastens  to  the  fleet,  to  bring 
The  ia;nb  for  Jove,  the  inviolable  king. 
Meantime  to  beauteous  Helen,  from  the  skies 
The  various  goddess  of  the  rainbow  flies: 
(Like  fair  Laodice  in  form  and  face, 
The  loveliest  nymph  of  Priam's  royal  race:) 
Her  in  the  palace,  at  her  loom  she  found ; 
The  golden  web  her  own  sad  story  crown'd, 
The  Trojan  wars  she  weavcd  {herself  the  prize), 
And  the  dire  triumphs  of  her  fatal  eyes. 
To  whom  the  goddess  of  tjje  painted  bow: 
"Approach,  and  view  the  wondrous  scene  below!* 

*  The  following  scene,  in  wliicli  lloincr  lias  contrived  to  intro- 
duce so  brilliant  a  sketch  of  the  (irecian  warriors,  has  been  im- 
itated by  Euripides  who  in  bis  "  Phccnissfc "  represents  Anti- 
gone survpying  the  opposing  champions  from  a  hitrh  tower  whilu 
the  psedagogus  describes  their  insignia  and  dciails  their  histories. 


120  THE  ILIAD. 

Each  hardy  Greek,  and  valiant  Trojan  knight. 
So  dreadful  late,  and  furious  for  the  fight, 
Now  rest  their  spears,  or  lean  upon  their  shields; 
Ceased  is  the  war,  and  silent  all  the  fields. 
Paris  alone  and  Sparta's  king  advance, 
In  single  fight  to  toss  the  beamy  lance; 
Each  met  in  arms,  the  fate  of  combat  tries,  _ 
Thy  love  the  motive,  and  thy  charms  the  prize.'* 

This  said,  the  many-colored  maid  inspires 
Her  husband's  love,  and  wakes  her  former  fires; 
Her  country,  parents,  all  that  once  were  dear. 
Rush  to  her  thought,  and  force  a  tender  tear. 
O'er  her  fair  face  a  snowy  veil  she  threw, 
And,  softly  sighing,  from  the  loom  withdrew. 
Her  handmaids,  Olymene  and  /Ethra,  wait 
Her  silent  footsteps  to  the  Scfean  gate. 

There  sat  the  seniors  of  the  Trojan  race: 
(Old  Priam's  chiefs,  and  most  in  Priam's  grace,) 
The  king  the  first;  Thyniffites  at  his  side; 
Lampus  and  Clytius,  long  in  council  tried; 
Panthns,  and  Hicetilon,  once  the  strong; 
And  next,  the  wisest  of  the  reverend  throng, 
Antenor  grave,  and  sage  Ucalegon, 
Lean'd  on  the  walls  and  bask'd  before  the  sun: 
Chiefs,  who  no  more  in  bloody  fights  engage. 
Bat  wise  through  time,  and  narrative  with  age. 
In  summer  days,  like  grasshoppers  rejoice, 
A  bloodless  race,  that  send  a  feeble  voice. 
These,  when  the  Spartan  queen  approach'd  the  tower 
In  secret  own'd  resistless  beauty's  jiower: 
They  cried,  "No  wonder*  such  celestial  charms 
For  nine  long  years  have  set  the  world  in  arms; 
What  winning  graces!  what  majestic  mien! 
She  moves  a  goddess,  and  she  looks  a  queen! 
Yet  hence,  0  Heaven,  convey  that  fatal  face, 
And  from  destruction  save  the  Trojan  race." 

The  good  old  Priam  welcomed  her,  and  cried, 
"Approach,  my  child,  and  grace  thy  father's  side. 
See  on  the  plain  thy  Grecian  spouse  appears. 
The  friends  and  kindred  of  thy  former  years. 
No  crime  of  thine  our  present  sufferings  draws. 
Not  thou,  but  Heaven's  disposing  will,  the  cause 

*  No  wonder,  etc.  Zeuxis,  tlie  celebrated  artist,  is  said  to  liave 
appended  these  lines  to  his  picture  of  Helen,  as  a  motto.  Valer. 
Max.  iii.  7. 


THE  ILIAD.  121 

The  gods  these  armies  and  this  force  employ, 
The  hostile  gods  conspire  the  fate  of  Troy. 
Bnt  lift  thy  eyes,  and  say,  what  Greek  is  he 
(Far  as  from  hence  tliese  aged  orhs  can  see) 
Around  whose  brow  such  martial  graces  shine, 
So  tall,  so  awful,  and  almost  divine! 
Though  some  of  larger  stature  tread  the  green, 
None  match  his  grandeur  and  exalted  mien; 
He  seems  a  monarch,  and  his  country's  pride.'* 
Thus  ceased  the  king,  and  thus  the  fair  replied: 
"Before  thy  presence,  father,  I  appear. 
With  conscious  shame  and  reverential  fear. 
Ah!  had  I  died,  ere  to  these  walls  I  fled. 
False  to  my  country,  and  my  nuptial  bed; 
My  brothers,  friends,  and  daughter  left  behind, 
False  to  them  all,  to  Paris  only  kind! 
For  this  I  mourn,  till  grief  or  dire  disease 
Shall  waste  the  form  whose  fault  it  was  to  please! 
The  king  of  kings,  Atrides,  you  survey, 
Great  in  the  war,  and  great  in  arts  of  sway: 
My  brother  once,  before  my  days  of  shame!     " 
And  oh!  that  still  he  bore  a  brother's  name!'* 

With  wonder  Priam  view'd  the  godlike  man, 
Extoll'd  the  happy  prince,  and  thus  began: 
"0  bless'd  Atrides!  born  to  prosperous  fate, 
Successful  monarch  of  a  mighty  state! 
IIow  vast  thy  empire!     Of  your  matchless  train 
Wliat  numbers  lost,  what  numbers  yet  remain! 
In  Phrygia  once  Avere  gallant  armies  known. 
In  ancient  time,  when  Otreus  lill'd  the  throne, 
When  godlike  Mygdon  led  their  troops  of  horse. 
And  I,  to  join  them,  raised  the  Trojan  force: 
Against  the  numlike  Amazons  we  stood,* 
And  Sanger's  stream  ran  purple  with  their  blood. 

*'riie  early  epic  was  larj^cly  occupied  with  tlui  exploits  and 
sufTcriiigs  of  women,  or  lieroines,  tlie  wives  and  (lauglil(!rsof  tlio 
Grecian  heroes.  A  nation  of  courageous,  hardy,  indefatigable 
women,  dwelling  apart  from  men,  permitting  only  a  short  tem- 
y)orary  intercoursf;,  for  tlic;  purpose  of  renovating  their  numlx^rs, 
Ijurning  out  their  right  breast  with  a  view  of  enal)liiig  themselves 
to  draw  the  bow  freely;  tliis  was  at  once  a  geiienil  ty])e,  stimulat- 
ing to  the  fancy  of  the  poet,  and  a  tlieme  eminently  jxjpular  with 
liis  liearers.  \A'e  find  these  warlike  f{^mah;s  constantly  reajjjxiar- 
ing  in  tlie  ancient  [)oems,  and  universally  acce])ted  as  past  realities 
in  the  Iliad.  When  I'rian.  wishes  to  illustrate  emphatically  the 
Uio.st  numerous  Lost  iu  which  he  ever  found  hiiusell'  iucJuded,  he 


123  THE  ILIAD. 

])ut  far  inferior  those,  in  martial  grace, 

And  strength  of  nnnibers,  to  this  Grecian  race." 

This  saicl,  once  more  he  view'd  the  warrior  train; 
"What's  he,  whose  arms  lie  scatter'd  on  the  plain?" 
Broad  is  his  breast,  his  shoulders  larger  spread, 
Though  great  Atrides  overtops  his  head. 
Nor  yet  appear  his  care  and  conduct  small; 
From  rank  to  rank  he  moves,  and  orders  all. 
The  statelv  ram  thus  measures  o'er  the  ground, 
And,  master  of  the  flock,  surveys  them  round." 

Theu  Helen  thus:  "Whom  your  discerning  eyes 
Have  singled  out,  is  Itliacus  the  wise; 
A  barren  island  boasts  his  glorious  birth; 
His  fame  for  wisdom  fills  the  spacious  earth." 

Antenor  took  the  word,  and  thus  began:* 
"Myself,  0  king!  have  seen  that  wondrous  man 
When,  trusting  Jove  and  hospitable  laws, 
To  Troy  he  came,  to  plead  the  Grecian  cause; 
(Great  Menelaiis  urged  the  same  request;) 
My  house  was  honor'd  with  each  royal  guest: 
I  knew  their  persons,  and  admired  their  parts, 
Both  brave  in  arms,  and  both  approved  in  arts. 
Erect,  the  Spartan  most  engaged  our  view; 
Ulysses  seated,  greater  reverence  drew. 
When  Atreus'  son  harangued  the  listening  train, 
Just  was  his  sense,  and  his  expression  plain. 
His  words  succinct,  yet  full,  without  a  fault: 
He  spoke  no  more  than  just  the  thing  he  ought. 
But  when  Ulysses  rose,  in  thought  profound, f 

tells  us  that  it  was  assembled  in  Plirygia,  on  the  banks  of  the 
Sangarius,  for  the  purpose  of  resisting  the  formidable  Amazons. 
When  Bellerophon  is  to  be  employed  in  a  deadly  and  perilous 
undertaking,  by  those  who  prudently  wished  to  procure  his  death, 
he  is  despatched  against  the  Amazons. — Grote,  vol.  i.  p.  289. 

*  Anteyior,  like  ^neas,  had  always  been  favorable  to  the  res- 
toration of  Helen.  Liv.  1.  1. 

f  "  His  lab'ring  heart  with  sudden  rapture  seized 
He  paus'd,  and  on  the  ground  in  silence  gazed. 
Unskill'd  and  uninspired  lie  seems  to  stand, 
Nor  lifts  the  eye,  nor  graceful  moves  the  hand: 
Theu,  while  the  chiefs  instill  attention  hung, 
Pours  the  full  tide  of  eloquence  along; 
While  from  his  lips  the  melting  torrent  flows, 
Soft  as  the  fleeces  of  descending  snows. 
Now  stronger  notes  engage  the  listening  crowd, 
Louder  the  accents  rise,  and  yet  more  loud. 
Like  thunders  rollina;  from  a  distant  cloud." 

—Merrick's  "  Sryphiodorus,"  148,  99. 


THE  ILIAD.  123 

His  modest  eyes  he  fix'd  upon  the  ground; 

As  one  nnskill'd  or  dumb,  he  seem'd  to  stand, 

Nor  raised  his  head,  nor  stretch'd  his  sceptred  hand; 

But,  when  he  speaks,  what  elocution  flows! 

Soft  as  the  fleeces  of  descending  snows,* 

The  copious  accents  fall,  with  easy  art; 

Melting  they  fall,  and  sink  into  the  heart! 

Wondering  we  hear,  and  fix'd  in  deep  surprise, 

Our  ears  refute  the  censure  of  our  eyes." 

The  king  then  ask'd  (as  yet  the  camp  he  view'd) 
"What  chief  is  that,  with  giant  strength  endued, 
Whose  brawny  shoulders,  and  whose  swelling  chest, 
And  lofty  stature,  far  exceed  the  rest?" 
"Ajax  the  great  (the  beauteous  queen  replied). 
Himself  a  host:  the  Grecian  strength  and  pride. 
See!  bold  Idomeneus  superior  towers 
Amid  yon  circle  of  his  Cretan  powers, 
Great  as  a  god!  I  saw  him  once  before, 
With  Menelaiis  on  the  Spartan  shore. 
The  rest  I  know,  and  could  in  order  name; 
All  valiant  chiefs,  and  men  of  mighty  fame. 
Yet  two  are  wanting  of  the  numerous  train. 
Whom  long  my  eyes  have  sought,  but  sought  in  vain: 
Castor  and  Pollux,  first  in  martial  force. 
One  bold  on  foot,  and  one  renown'd  for  horse. 
My  brothers  tliese;  the  same  our  native  shore, 
One  house  contain'd  us,  as  one  mother  bore. 
Perhaps  the  chiefs,  from  warlike  toils  at  ease, 
For  distant  Troy  refused  to  sail  the  seas; 
Perhaps  their  swords  some  nobler  quarrel  draws. 
Ashamed  to  combat  in  their  sister's  cause." 

So  spoke  the  fair,  nor  knew  her  brothers'  doom;f 
Wrapt  in  the  cold  embraces  of  the  tomb; 
Adorn 'd  witli  honors  in  their  native  sliore. 
Silent  they  slept,  and  heard  of  wars  no  more. 

Meantime  the  lieralds,  througli  the  crowded  town. 
Bring  the  ricli  wine  and  destined  victims  down. 

*  Duport,  "  Gnoiiiol.  Hoiiior,"  p.  20,  well  observes  that  this 
comparison  may  also  be  sarcastically  applied  to  the /rt^W  style  of 
oratory.  It,  of  course,  here  merely  denotes  the  ready  fluency  of 
Ulysses. 

•f  Her  brother»'  doom.  They  perished  in  combat  with  Lynceus 
and  Idas,  whilst  bHi<'f,'inir  Sjiarta.  See  Ilyj^in.  Poet.  Asir.  '.Vi,  22. 
Virgil  and  others,  however,  make  them  share  immortality  by 
turns. 


124  2'^^^  ILIAD. 

Idffius'  arms  the  golden  goblets  press'd,* 

AVho  thus  the  venerable  king  address'd: 

"Arise,  0  father  of  the  Trojuii  state! 

The  nations  call,  thy  joyful  people  wait 

To  seal  the  truce,  and  end  the  dire  debate. 

Paris,  thy  son,  and  Sparta's  king  advance, 

In  measured  lists  to  toss  the  weighty  lance; 

And  who  his  rival  shall  in  arms  subdue, 

His  be  the  dame_,  and  his  the  treasure  too. 

Thus  with  a  lasting  league  our  toils  may  cease, 

And  Troy  possess  her  fertile  fields  in  peace: 

So  shall  the  Greeks  review  their  native  shore. 

Much  famed  for  generous  steeds,  for  beauty  more.-'' 

With  grief  he  heard,  and  bade  the  chiefs  prepare 
To  join  his  milk-white  coursers  to  the  car; 
He  mounts  the  seat,  Antenor  at  his  side; 
The  gentle  steeds  through  Scfea's  gates  they  guide  :f 
Next  from  the  car  descending  on  the  plain, 
Amid  the  Grecian  host  and  Trojan  train. 
Slow  they  proceed:  the  sage  Ulysses  then 
Arose,  and  with  him  rose  the  king  of  men. 
On  either  side  a  sacred  herald  stands. 
The  wine  they  mix,  and  on  each  monarch's  hands 
Pour  the  full  urn;  then  draws  the  Grecian  lord 
His  cutlass  sheathed  beside  his  ponderous  sword; 
From  the  sign'd  victims  crops  the  curling  hair; J 
The  heralds  part  it,  and  the  princes  share; 
Then  loudly  thus  before  the  attentive  bands 
He  calls  the  gods,  and  spreads  his  lifted  hands: 

"0  first  and  greatest  power!  whom  all  obey, 
Who  high  on  Ida's  holy  mountain  sway. 
Eternal  Jove!  and  you  bright  orb  that  roll 
From  east  to  west,  and  view  from  pole  to  pole! 
Thou  mother  Earth!  and  all  ye  living  floods! 
Infernal  furies,  and  Tartarean  gods. 
Who  rule  the  dead,  and  horrid  woes  prepare 
For  perjured  kings,  and  all  who  falsely  swear! 
Hear,  and  be  witness.     If,  by  Paris  slain, 
Great  Menelaiis  press  the  fatal  plain; 

*  Idseus  was  tbe  arm-bearer  and  cliarioteer  of  king  Priam,  slain 
during  this  war,  Cf.  ^n.  vi.  487. 

f  Scan's  gates,  rather  Sccean  fjntes,  i.  e.  the  left-hand  gates. 

\  This  was  customary  in  all  sacrifices.  Hence  we  find  Iras  de- 
scending to  cul  off  the  hair  of  Dido,  before  which  she  could  not 
expire. 


THE  ILIAD.  125 

The  dame  and  treasures  let  the  Trojan  keep, 
And  Greece  returning  plough  the  watery  deep. 
If  by  my  brother's  lance  the  Trojan  bleed, 
Be  his  the  wealth  and  beauteous  dame  decreed: 
The  appointed  hne  let  Ilion  justly  pay. 
And  every  age  record  the  signal  day. 
This  if  the  Phrygians  shall  refuse  to  yield, 
Arms  must  revenge,  and  Mars  decide  the  field." 

With  that  the  chief  the  tender  victims  slew, 
And  in  the  dust  their  bleeding  bodies  threw; 
The  vital  spirit  issued  at  the  wound. 
And  left  the  members  quivering  on  the  ground. 
From  the  same  urn  they  drink  the  mingled  wine, 
And  add  libations  to  the  powers  divine. 
AVhile  thus  their  prayers  united  mount  the  sky, 
"Hear,  mighty  Jove!  and  hear,  ye  gods  on  high! 
And  may  their  blood,  who  first  the  league  confound, 
Shed  like  this  wine,  disdain  the  thirsty  ground; 
May  all  their  consorts  serve  promiscuous  lust. 
And  all  their  lust  be  scatter'd  as  the  dust!" 
Thus  either  host  their  imprecations  join'd, 
Which  Jove  refused, "^and  mingled  with  the  wind. 

The  rites  now  finisli'd,  reverend  Priam  rose. 
And  tluis  express'd  a  heart  o'ercharged  with  woes: 
"Ye  Greeks  and  Trojans,  let  the  chiefs  engage, 
But  spare  the  weakness  of  my  feeble  age: 
In  yonder  walls  that  object  let  me  shun, 
Xor  view  tlie  danger  of  so  dear  a  son. 
Whose  arms  shall  conquer  and  what  prince  shall  fall, 
Heaven  only  knows;  for  heaven  disposes  all." 

This  said,  the  hoary  king  no  longer  stay'd, 
But  on  his  car  the  slaughter'd  victims  laid: 
Then  seized  the  reins  his  gentle  steeds  to  guide, 
And  drove  to  Troy,  Antenor  at  his  side. 

Bold  Hector  and  Ulysses  now  dispose 
The  lists  of  combat,  and  the  ground  inclose: 
Next  to  decide,  by  sacred  lots  pre])are. 
Who  first  shall  launch  his  polluted  spoar  in  air 
The  people  pray  with  elevated  hands. 
And  words  like  these  are  iieard  through  all  the  bands: 
"Innuortal  .Jove,  high  Heaven's  su])ei'ior  lord, 
On  lofty  Ida's  holy  mount  adored! 
Whoe'er  involved  us  in  this  dire  debate, 
0  give  that  autlxjr  of  the  war  to  fate 


126  TEE  ILIAD. 

And  shades  etertial!  let  division  cease, 

And  joyful  nations  join  in  leagues  of  peace." 

With  eyes  averted  Hector  hastes  to  turn 
The  lots  of  fight  and  shakes  the  brazen  urn. 
Then,  Paris,  thine  leap'd  forth;  by  fatal  chance 
Ordain'd  the  first  to  whirl  the  weighty  lance. 
Both  armies  sat  the  combat  to  survey. 
Beside  each  chief  his  azure  armor  lay, 
And  round  the  lists  the  generous  coursers  neigh. 
The  beauteous  warrior  now  arrays  for  fight. 
In  gilded  arms  magnificently  bright: 
The  purple  cuishes  clasp  his  thighs  around, 
With  flowers  adorn'd,  with  silver  buckles  bound: 
Lycaon's  corslet  his  fair  body  dress'd. 
Braced  in  and  fitted  to  his  softer  breast; 
A  radiant  baldric,  o'er  his  shoulder  tied, 
Sustain'd  the  sword  that  glitter'd  at  his  side: 
His  youthful  face  a  polish'd  helm  o'erspread; 
The  waving  horsehair  nodded  on  his  head; 
His  figured  shield,  a  shining  orb,  he  takes. 
And  in  his  hand  a  pointed  javelin  shakes. 
With  equal  speed  and  fired  by  equal  charms, 
The  Spartan  hero  sheathes  his  limbs  in  arms. 

Now  round  the  lists  the  admiring  armies  stand. 
With  javelins  fix'd,  the  Greek  and  Trojan  band. 
Amidst  the  dreadful  vale,  the  chiefs  advance, 
All  pale  with  rage,  and  shake  threatening  lance. 
The  Trojan  first  his  shining  javelin  threw; 
Full  on  Atrides'  ringing  shield  it  flew. 
Nor  pierced  the  brazen  orb,  but  with  a  bound* 
Leap'd  from  the  buckler,  blunted,  on  the  ground, 
Atrides  then  his  massy  lance  prepares. 
In  act  to  tlirow,  but  first  prefers  his  jirayers: 

"Give  me,  great  Jove!  to  punish  lawless  lust, 
And  lay  the  Trojan  gasping  in  the  dust: 
Destroy  the  aggressor,  aid  my  righteous  cause, 
Avenge  the  breach  of  hospitable  laws! 
Let  this  example  future  times  reclaim, 
And  guard  from  wrong  fair  friendship's  holy  name.'* 


*  Nor  pierced. 

"  This  said,  his  feeb]e  band  a  jav'lin  threw, 
Which,  fiutt'ring,  seemed  to  loiter  as  it  flew, 
Just,  and  l)ut  barely,  to  the  mark  it  held, 
And  faintly  tinkled  on  the  brazen  shield." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  ji.  743, 


THE  ILIAD.  127 

He  said,  and  poised  in  air  the  javelin  sent, 

Through  Paris'  shield  the  forceful  weapon  went, 

His  corslet  pierces,  and  his  garment  rends, 

And  glancing  downward,  near  his  flank  descends. 

The  wary  Trojan,  bending  from  the  blow. 

Eludes  the  death,  and  disappoints  his  foe: 

But  fierce  Atrides  waved  his  sword,  and  strook 

Full  on  his  casque:  the  crested  helmet  shook; 

The  brittle  steel,  unfaithful  to  his  hand, 

Broke  short:  the  fragments  glitter'd  on  the  sand. 

The  raging  warrior  to  the  spacious  skies 

Raised  his  upbraiding  voice  and  angr}^  eyes: 

"Then  is  it  vain  in  Jove  himself  to  trust? 

And  is  it  thus  the  gods  assist  the  just? 

When  crimes  provoke  us.  Heaven  success  denies; 

The  dart  falls  harmless,  and  the  falchion  flies." 

Furious  he  said,  and  toward  the  Grecian  crew 

(Seized  by  the  crest)  the  unhappy  warrior  drew; 

Struggling  he  foUow'd,  while  the  embroider'd  thong 

That  tied  his  helmet,  dragg'd  the  chief  along. 

Then  had  his  ruin  crown'd  Atrides'  joy, 

But  Venus  trembled  for  the  prince  of  Troy: 

Unseen  she  came,  and  burst  the  "-olden  baud; 

And  left  an  empty  helmet  in  his  hand. 

The  casque,  enraged,  amidst  the  Greeks  he  threw; 

The  Greeks  with  smiles  the  polish'd  trophy  view, 

Then,  as  once  more  he  lifts  the  deadly  dart, 

In  thirst  of  vengeance,  at  his  rival's  heart; 

The  queen  of  love  her  favor'd  champion  shrouds 

(For  gods  can  all  things)  in  a  veil  of  clouds. 

Raised  from  the  field  the  panting  youth  she  led, 

And  gently  laid  him  on  the  bridal  bed. 

With  pleasing  sweets  his  fainting  sense  renews, 

And  all  the  dome  perfumes  with  heavenly  dews. 

]\Ieantime  the  brightest  of  the  female  kind. 

The  matchless  Helen,  o'er  the  walls  reclined; 

To  her,  beset  with  Trojan  beauties,  came, 

In  borrow'd  form,  the  laughter-loving  dame. 

(Slio  seom'd  an  ancient  maid,  wcll-skiU'd  to  cull 

The  snowy  fleece,  and  wind  the  twisted  wool.) 

The  goddess  softly  shook  her  silken  vest, 

That  siied  perfumes,  and  whisi)oring  thus  address'd: 

"Haste,  lia[)py  nymph!  for  tlieo  thy  Paris  calls, 
Safe  from  the  fight,  in  yonder  lofty  walls, 


128  THE  ILIAD. 

Fair  as  a  god;  with  odors  round  him  spread, 
He  lies,  and  waits  thee  on  the  well-known  bed 
Not  like  a  warrior  parted  from  the  foe. 
But  some  gay  dancer  in  the  public  show." 

She  spoke,  and  Helen's  secret  soul  was  moved; 
She  scorn'd  the  champion,  but  the  man  she  loved. 
Fair  Venus'  neck,  her  eyes  that  sparkled  fire. 
And  breast,  reveal'd  the  queen  of  soft  desire.* 
Struck  with  her  presence,  straight  the  lively  red 
Forsook  her  cheeks;  and  trembling,  thus  she  said: 
"Then  is  it  still  thy  pleasure  to  deceive? 
And  woman's  frailty  always  to  believe! 
Say,  to  new  nations  must  I  cross  the  main, 
Or  carry  wars  to  some  soft  Asian  plain? 
For  whom  must  Helen  break  her  second  vow? 
What  other  Paris  is  thy  darling  now? 
Left  to  Atrides,  (victor  in  the  strife,) 
An  odious  conquest  and  a  captive  wife. 
Hence  let  me  sail;  and  if  thy  Paris  bear 
My  absence  ill,  let  Venus  ease  his  care. 
A  handmaid  goddess  at  his  side  to  wait, 
Eenouuce  the  glories  of  thy  heavenly  state, 
Be  fix'd  forever  to  the  Trojan  shore. 
His  spouse,  or  slave;  and  mount  the  skies  no  more. 
For  me,  to  lawless  love  no  longer  led, 
I  scorn  the  coward,  and  detest  his  bed; 
Else  should  I  merit  everlasting  shame, 
And  keen  reproach,  from  every  Phyrgian  dame: 
HI  suits  it  now  the  joys  of  love  to  know, 
Too  deep  my  anguish,  and  too  wild  my  woe." 

Tiien  thus  incensed,  the  Paphian  queen  replies: 
"Obey  the  power  from  whom  thy  glories  rise: 
Should  Venus  leave  thee,  every  charm  must  fly, 
Fade  from  thy  cheek,  and  languish  in  thy  eye. 
Cease  to  provoke  me,  lest  I  make  thee  more 
The  world's  aversion,  than  their  love  before; 
Now  the  bright  jn-ize  for  which  mankind  engage, 
Than,  the  sad  victim  of  the  public  rage." 

*  Reveal'd  the  queen. 

"  Thus  having  said,  she  turn'd  and  made  appear 
Her  neck  refulgent  and  dishevell'd  hair, 
Which,  flowing  from  lier  shoulders,  reach'd  the  ground, 
And  wldeh'  spread  ambrosial  scents  around. 
In  length  of  train  descends  her  sweeping  gown; 
And,  by  her  graceful  walk,  the  queen  of  love  is  known." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  i.  556. 


TUE  ILIAD.  129 

At  this,  the  fairest  of  her  sex  obey'd, 
And  veil'd  Jier  blushes  in  the  silken  shade 
Unseen,  and  silent,  from  the  train  she  moves, 
Led  by  the  goddess  of  the  Smiles  and  Loves. 
Arrived,  and  enter'd  at  the  palace  gate. 
The  maids  officious  round  their  mistress  wait; 
Then,  all  dispersing,  varions  tasks  attend; 
The  queen  and  goddess  to  the  prince  ascend. 
Full  in  her  Paris'  sight,  the  queen  of  love 
Had  placed  the  beauteons  j)rogeny  of  Jove; 
Where,  as  he  view'd  her  charms,  she  turn'd  away 
Her  glowing  eyes,  and  thus  began  to  say: 

"Is  this  the  chief,  who,  lost  to  sense  of  shame, 
Late  fled  the  field,  and  yet  survives  his  fame? 
0  hadst  thou  died  beneath  the  righteous  sword, 
Of  that  brave  man  who  once  I  call'd  my  lord! 
The  boaster  Paris  oft  desired  the  day 
With  Sparta's  king  to  meet  in  single  fray: 
Go  now,  once  more  thy  rival's  rage  excite, 
Provoke  Atrides,  and  renew  the  fight: 
Yet  Helen  bids  thee  stay,  lest  thou  unskilPd 
Shonldst  fall  an  easy  conquest  on  the  field." 

The  prince  replies:  "Ah  cease,  divinely  fair, 
Nor  add  reproaches  to  the  wounds  I  bear; 
This  day  the  foe  prevail 'd  by  Pallas'  power: 
We  yet  may  vanquish  in  a  happier  hour: 
There  want  not  gods  to  favor  us  above; 
But  let  the  business  of  our  life  be  love: 
The  softer  moments  let  delights  employ, 
And  kind  embraces  snatch  the  hasty  Joy. 
Not  thus  I  loved  thee,  when  from  Sparta's  shore 
My  forced,  my  willing  heavenly  prize  I  boi'e. 
When  first  entranced  in  Cranae's  isle  I  lay,* 
Mix'd  with  thy  soul,  and  all  dissolved  away!" 
Thus  having  spoke,  the  enamor'd  Phrygian  boy 
Rush'd  to  the  bed,  impatient  for  the  joy. 
Him  Helen  follow'd  slow  with  bashful  charms. 
And  clasp'd  the  blooming  hero  in  her  arms. 

While  these  to  love's  delicious  rapture  yield, 
The  stern  Atrides  rages  round  the  field: 
So  some  fell  lion  whom  the  woods  obey, 
Roars  through  the  desert,  and  demands  his  prey. 

*  (fraitae'8  isle,  i.  e.  Athens.  See  the  "  Scbol."  and  Alberti's 
"  IIoKvcliiiis,"  vol.  ii.  p.  .3.38.  This  name  was  derived  from  one 
of  its  early  kings,  C'ranaus. 


130  TEE  ILIAD. 

Paris  he  seeks,  impatient  to  destroy, 

But  seeks  in  vain  along  tlie  troops  of  Troy; 

Even  those  had  yielded  to  a  foe  so  brave 

The  recreant  warrior,  hateful  as  the  grave. 

Then  speaking  thus,  the  king  of  kings  arose, 

"Ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  all  our  generous  foes! 

Hear  and  attesti  from  heaveii  with  conquest  crown'd, 

Our  brother's  arms  the  just  success  have  found: 

Be  therefore  now  the  Spartan  wealth  restor'd, 

Let  Argive  Helen  own  her  lawful  lord: 

The  appointed  fine  let  Ilion  justly  pay, 

And  age  to  age  record  this  signal  day." 

He  ceased;  his  army's  loud  applauses  rise, 
And  the  long  shouts  runs  echoing  through  the  skies. 


THE  ILIAD.  131 


BOOK  lY. 

A  R  GU  M  E  N  T . 

THE   BEEACH   OF   THE   TRUCE,    AND   THE   FIEST    BATTLE. 

The  gods  deliberate  in  council  concerning  the  Trojan  war;  they 
agree  upon  the  continuation  of  it,  and  Jupiter  sends  down 
Minerva  to  break  the  truce.  She  persuades  Pandarus  to  aim 
an  arrow  at  Menelaiis,  who  is  wounded,  but  cured  by 
Machaon.  In  the  meantime  some  of  the  Trojan  troopsattack 
the  Greeks.  Agamemnon  is  distinguished  in  all  the  parts  of 
a  good  general;  he  reviews  the  troops,  and  exhorts  the 
leaders,  some  by  praises  and  others  by  reproof.  Nestor  is 
particularly  celebrated  for  his  military  discipline.  The  battle 
joins,  and  great  numbers  are  slain  on  both  sides. 

The  same  day  continues  through  this  as  through  the  last 
book  (as  it  does  also  through  the  two  following,  and  almost 
to  the  end  of  the  seventh  book).  The  scene  is  wholly  in  the 
field  before  Troy. 

And  now  Olympus'  shining  gates  unfold; 

The  gods,  with  Jove,  assume  their  thrones  of  gold: 

Immortal  Hebe,  fresh  with  bloom  divine. 

The  golden  goblet  crowns  with  purple  wine: 

While  the  full  bowls  flow  round,  the  powers  employ 

Their  careful  e3'es  on  long-contended  Tro}'. 

When  Jove,  disposed  to  tempt  Saturnia's  spleen, 
Thus  waked  the  fury  of  his  partial  queen. 
"Two  powers  divine  the  son  of  Atreus  aid, 
Imperial  Juno,  and  the  martial  maid;* 
But  high  in  heaven  they  sit,  and  gaze  from  far, 
The  tame  spectators  of  liis  deeds  of  war. 
Not  thus  fair  Venus  helps  lier  favor'd  knight, 
The  queen  of  pleasures  shares  the  toils  of  fight, 
Each  danger  wards,  and  constant  in  her  care, 
Saves  in  the  moment  of  the  last  despair. 

*  Themartinl  maid.  In  the  original,  "  Minerva  Alalcomeneis," 
i.  e.  the  defender,  so  called  from  her  temple  at  Alalcomene  in 
Boeotia. 


132  THE  ILIAD. 

Her  act  has  rescued  Paris'  forfeit  life. 

Though  great  Atrides  gain'd  the  glorious  strife. 

Then  say,  ye  powers!  what  signal  issue  waits 

To  crown  this  deed,  and  tiuish  all  the  fates! 

Shall  Heaven  by  peace  the  bleeding  kingdom  spare, 

Or  rouse  the  furies,  and  awake  the  war? 

Yet,  would  the  gods  for  human  good  provide, 

Atrides  soon  might  gain  his  beauteous  bride, 

Still  Priam's  walls  in  peaceful  honors  grow. 

And  through  his  gates  the  crowding  nations  flow." 

Thus  while  he  spoke,  the  queen  of  heaven,  enraged 
And  queen  of  war,  in  close  consult  engaged: 
Apart  they  sit,  their  deep  designs  employ. 
And  meditate  the  future  woes  of  Troy. 
Though  secret  anger  swell'd  Minerva's  breast. 
The  prudent  goddess  yet  her  wrath  suppress'd; 
But  Juno,  impotent  of  passion,  broke 
Her  sullen  silence,  and  with  fury  spoke: 

"Shall  then,  0  tyrant  of  the  ethereal  reign! 
My  schemes,  my  labors,  and  my  hopes  be  vain? 
Have  I,  for  this,  shook  Ilion  with  alarms, 
Assembled  nations,  set  two  worlds  in  arms? 
To  spread  the  war,  I  flew  from  shore  to  shore; 
The  immortal  courses  scarce  the  labor  bore. 
At  length  ripe  vengeance  o'er  their  heads  impends, 
But  Jove  himself  the  faithless  race  defends: 
Loth  as  thou  art  to  punish  lawless  lust, 
Not  all  the  gods  are  partial  and  unjust." 

The  sire  whoso  thunder  shakes  the  cloudy  skies. 
Sighs  from  his  inmost  soul,  and  thus  replies: 
"Oh  lasting  rancor!  oil  insatiate  hate! 
To  Phrygia's  monarch,  and  the  Phrygian  state! 
What  high  offense  has  fired  the  wife  of  Jove? 
Can  wretched  mortals  harm  the  powers  above, 
That  Troy,  and  Troy's  whole  race  thou  wouldst  con- 
found. 
And  yon  fair  structures  level  with  the  ground! 
Haste,  leave  the  skies,  fulfill  thy  stern  desire. 
Burst  all  her  gates,  and  wrap  her  walls  in  fire! 
Let  Priam  bleed!  if  yet  you  thirst  for  inore, 
Bleed  all  his  sons,  and  Ilion  float  with  gore: 
To  boundless  vengeance  the  wide  realm  be  given, 
Till  vast  destruction  glut  the  queen  of  heaven! 
So  let  it  be,  and  Jove  his  peace  enjoy,* 

*  "  Anything  for  a  quiet  life  !" 


THE  ILIAD.  133 

When  heaven  no  longer  hears  the  name  of  Troy. 

But  should  this  arm  prepare  to  wreak  onr  hate 

On  thy  loved  realms,  whose  guilt  demands  their  fate; 

Presume  not  thou  the  lifted  bolt  to  stay, 

Remember  Troy,  and  give  the  vengeance  way. 

For  know,  of  all  the  numerous  towns  that  rise 

Beneath  the  rolling  sun  and  starry  skies. 

Which  gods  have  raised,  or  earth-born  men  enjoy, 

None  stands  so  dear  to  Jove  as  sacred  Troy. 

No  mortals  merit  more  distinguish'd  grace 

Than  godlike  Priam,  or  than  Priam's  race. 

Still  to  our  name  their  hecatombs  expire. 

And  altars  blaze  with  unextinguish'd  fire." 

At  this  the  goddess  rolled  her  radiant  eyes, 
Then  on  the  thunderer  fix'd  them,  and  replies: 
"Three  towns  are  Juno's  on  the  Grecian  plains, 
More  dear  than  all  the  extended  earth  contains,- 
Mycenae,  Argos,  and  the  Spartan  wall;* 

These  thou  mayst  raze,  nor  I  forbid  their  fall: 
'Tis  not  in  me  the  vengeance  to  remove; 
The  crime's  sufficient  that  tbey  share  my  love. 
Of  power  superior  why  should  I  complain? 
Resent  I  may,  but  must  resent  in  vain. 
Yet  some  distinction  Juno  might  require. 
Sprung  with  thyself  from  one  celestial  sire, 
A  goddess  born,  to  share  the  realms  above, 

And  styled  the  consort  of  the  thundering  Jove; 
Nor  thou  a  wife  and  sister's  right  deny;f 
Let  both  consent,  and  both  by  terms  comply; 
So  shall  the  gods  our  joint  decrees  obey. 
And  heaven  shall  act  as  we  direct  the  way. 
See  ready  Pallas  waits  thy  high  commands 
To  raise  in  arms  the  Greek  and  Phrygian  bands; 
Their  sudden  friendship  by  her  arts  may  cease, 
And  the  proud  Trojans  first  infringe  the  peace." 

*  Argos.     The  worship  of  Juno  at  Argos  was  very  celebrated  in 
ancient  times,  and  she  was  reji:ar(l('d   as  tlie  patron   deity  of  that 
city.     Apul.  Met.,  vi.  p.  453;  Servius  on  Virg.  ^En.,  i.  28. 
f  A  wife  and  nutrr. 

"  lint  1,  who  walk  in  awful  state  above 
The  majesty  of  heuv'n,  the  sister-wife  of  Jove." 

— Dryden's  "  Virgil,"  i.  70. 
So  Apuleius,  I.  c.  speaks  of  her  as  "  Jovis  gerniana  et  conjux," 
and  80  Horace,  Od.  iii.  3,  64,  "  conjuge  me  Jovis  et  sorore." 


134  THE  ILIAD. 

The  sire  of  men  and  monarch  of  the  sky 
The  advice  approved,  and  bade  Minerva  fly, 
Dissolve  the  league,  and  all  her  arts  employ 
To  make  the  breach  the  faithless  act  of  Troy. 
Fired  with  the  charge,  she  headlong  urged  her  flight, 
And  shot  like  lightning  from  Olympus'  height. 
As  the  red  comet,  from  Saturnius  sent 
To  fright  the  nations  with  a  dire  portent, 
(A  fatal  sign  to  armies  on  the  plain, 
Or  trembling  sailors  on  the  wintry  main), 
With  sweeping  glories  glides  along  the  air, 
And  shakes  the  sparkles  from  its  blazing  hair:* 
Between  both  armies  thus,  in  open  sight. 
Shot  the  bright  goddess  in  a  trail  of  light, 
With  eyes  erect  the  gazing  hosts  admire 
The  power  descending,  and  the  heavens  on  fire! 
"The  gods  (they  cried),  the  gods  this  signal  sent, 
And  fate  now  labors  with  some  vast  event: 
Jove  seals  the  league,  or  bloodier  scenes  prepares; 
Jove,  the  great  arbiter  of  peace  and  wars." 

They  said,  while  Pallas  through  the  Trojan  throng, 
(In  shape  a  mortal),  pass'd  disguised  along. 
Like  bold  Laodocus,  her  course  she  bent. 
Who  from  Antenor  traced  his  high  descent. 
Amidst  the  ranks  Lycaon's  son  she  found. 
The  warlike  Pandarus,  for  strength  renown'd; 
Whose  squadrons,  led  from  black  -5^sepus'  flood, f 
With  flamiiig  shields  in  martial  circle  stood. 
To  him  the  goddess:  "Phrygian!  canst  thou  hear 
A  well-timed  counsel  with  a  willing  ear? 
AVhat  praise  were  thine,  couldst  thou  direct  thy  dart, 
Amidst  his  triumph,  to  the  Spartan's  heart? 
What  gifts  from  Troy,  from  Paris  wouldst  thou  gain. 
Thy  country's  foe,  the  Grecian  glory  slain? 
Then  seize  tlie  occasion,  dare  the  mighty  deed 
Aim  at  his  breast,  and  may  that  aim  succeed! 


*  "  Thither  came  Uriel,  gleaming  through  the  even 
On  a  sunbeam,  swift  as  a  shooting  star 
In  autumn  thwarts  the  night,  when  vapors  fired 
Impress  the  air,  and  shows  the  mariner 
From  what  point  of  his  compass  to  beware 
Impetuous  winds." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  555. 
f  ^sepus'  flood.     A  river  of  Mysia,  rising  from  Mount  Cotylus, 
iu  the  southern  part  of  the  chain  of  Ida. 


THE  ILIAD.  135 

But  first,  to  speed  the  shaft,  address  thy  vow 
To  Lycian  Phoebus  with  tlie  silver  bow, 
And  swear  the  firstlings  of  thy  flock  to  pay, 
On  Zolia's  altars,  to  the  god  of  day."* 

He  heard,  and  madly  at  the  motion  pleased, 
His  polish'd  bow  with  hasty  rashness  seized. 
'Twas  form'd  of  horn,  and  smooth'd  with  artful  toil: 
A  mountain  goat  resign'd  the  shining  spoil. 
"Who  pierced  long  since  beneath  his  arrows  bled; 
The  stately  quarry  on  the  cliffs  lay  dead, 
And  sixteen  palms  his  brow's  large  honors  spread: 
The  workmen  join'd,  and  shaped  the  bended  horns. 
And  beaten  gold  each  taper  point  adorns. 
This,  by  the  Greeks  unseen,  the  warrior  bends, 
Screen'd  by  the  shields  of  his  surrounding  friends 
There  meditates  the  mark;  and  crouching  low, 
Fits  the  sharp  arrow  to  the  well-strung  bow. 
One  from  a  hundred  feather'd  deaths  he  chose, 
Fated  to  wound,  and  cause  of  future  woes; 
Then  offers  vows  with  hecatombs  to  crown 
Apollo's  altars  in  his  native  town. 

Now  with  full  force  the  yielding  horn  he  bends, 
Drawn  to  an  arch,  and  joins  the  doubling  ends; 
Close  to  his  breast  he  strains  the  nerve  below, 
Till  the  barb'd  points  approach  the  circling  bow; 
The  impatient  weapon  whizzes  on  the  wing; 
Sounds  the  tough  horn,  and  twangs  the  quivering  string. 

But  thee,  Atrides!  in  that  dangerous  hour 
Thn  gods  forget  not,  nor  thy  guardian  power, 
Pallas  assists,  and  (weakened  in  its  force) 
Diverts  the  weapon  from  its  destined  course: 
So  from  her  babe,  when  slumber  seals  his  eye, 
The  watchful  mother  wafts  the  envenom'd  fly. 
Just  where  his  belt  with  golden  buckles  join'd. 
Where  linen  folds  the  double  corslet  lined, 
Slie  tnrn'd  the  shaft,  which,  hissing  from  above, 
Pass'd  the  broad  belt,  and  through  the  corslet  drove 
The  folds  it  pierced,  the  plaited  linen  tore, 
And  razed  the  skin,  and  drew  the  purple  gore. 
As  when  some  stately  trappings  are  decreed 
To  grace  a  monarch  on  his  bounding  steed, 
A  nym])li  in  Caria  or  Man>nia  bred, 
Stains  the  pure  ivory  with  a  lively  red; 

*  Zelia,  a  town  of  Troas,  at  the  foot  of  Ida. 


186  THE  ILIAD. 

With  equal  luster  various  colors  vie, 

The  shining  whiteness,  and  the  Tyrian  dye: 

So  great  AtridesI  siiow'd  thy  sacred  blood. 

As  down  thy  snowy  thigh  distill'd  the  streaming  flood. 

With  horror  seized,  the  king  of  men  descried 

The  shaft  infix'd,  and  saw  the  gushing  tide: 

Nor  less  the  Spartan  fear'd,  before  he  found 

The  shining  barb  appear  above  the  wound. 

Then,  with  a  sigh,  that  heaved  his  manly  breast, 

The  royal  brother  tlius  his  grief  express'd. 

And  grasp'd  his  hand;  while  all  the  Greeks  around 

With  answering  sighs  return'd  the  plaintive  sound. 

"Oh,  dear  as  life!  did  I  for  this  agree 
The  solemn  truce,  a  fatal  truce  to  thee! 
Wert  thou  exposed  to  all  the  hostile  train, 
To  fight  for  Greece,  and  conquer,  to  be  slain! 
The  race  of  Trojans  in  thy  ruin  join. 
And  faith  is  scorn'd  by  all  the  perjured  line. 
Not  thus  our  vows,  confirm'd  with  wine  and  gore. 
Those  hands  we  plighted,  and  those  oaths  we  swore, 
Shall  all  be  vain:  when  Heaven's  revenge  is  slow, 
Jove  but  i)repares  to  strike  the  fiercer  blow. 
The  day  shall  come,  that  great  avenging  day, 
When  Troy's  proud  glories  in  the  dust  shall  lay, 
When  Priam's  powers  and  Priam's  self  shall  fall. 
And  one  prodigious  ruin  swallow  all. 
I  see  the  god,  already,  from  the  pole 
Bare  his  red  arm,  and  bid  the  thunder  roll; 
I  see  the  Eternal  all  his  fury  shed, 
And  shake  his  segis  o'er  their  guilty  head. 
Such  mighty  woes  on  perjured  princes  wait; 
But  thou,  alas!  deserv'st  a  happier  fate. 
Still  must  I  mourn  the  period  of  thy  days. 
And  only  mourn,  without  my  share  of  praise? 
Deprived  of  thee,  the  heartless  Greeks  no  more 
Shall  dream  of  conquests  on  the  hostile  shore; 
Troy  seized  of  Helen,  and  our  glory  lost. 
Thy  bones  shall  moulder  on  a  foreign  coast; 
While  some  proud  Trojan  thus  insulting  cries, 
(And  spurns  the  dust  where  Menelaiis  lies), 
'Such  are  the  trophies  Greece  from  Ilion  brings 
And  such  the  conquest  of  her  king  of  kings! 
Lo  his  proud  vessels  scatter'd  o'er  the  main, 
And  unrevenged,  his  mighty  brother  slain.' 


THE  ILIAD.  137 

Oh!  ere  that  dire  disgrace  shall  blast  my  fame, 
O'erwhelm  me,  earth!  and  hide  a  mouarch's  shame." 

He  said:  a  leader's  and  a  brother's  fears 
Possess  his  soul,  which  thus  the  Spartan  cheers: 
"Let  not  thy  words  the  warmth  of  Greece  abate; 
The  feeble  dart  is  guiltless  of  my  fate: 
Stiff  with  the  rich  embroider'd  work  around, 
My  varied  belt  repell'd  the  flying  wound." 

To  whom  the  king:  "My  brother  and  my  friend, 
Thus,  always  thus,  may  Heaven  thy  life  defend! 
Now  seek  some  skillful  hand,  whose  powerful  art 
May  stanch  the  eifusion,  and  extract  the  dart. 
Herald,  be  swift,  and  bid  Machiion  bring 
His  speedy  succor  to  the  Spartan  king; 
Piei-ced  with  a  winged  shaft  (the  deed  of  Troy), 
The  Grecian  sorrow,  and  the  Dardan's  joy." 

With  hasty  zeal  the  swift  Talthybins  flies; 
Through  the  thick  files  he  darts  his  searching  eyes, 
And  finds  Machiion,  where  sublime  he  stands* 
In  arms  encircled  with  his  native  bands. 
Then  thus:  "Machiion,  to  the  king  repair. 
His  wounded  brother  claims  thy  timely  care; 
Pierced  by  some  Lycian  or  Dardanian  bow, 
A  grief  to  us,  a  triumph  to  the  foe." 

The  heavy  tidings  grieved  the  godlike  man: 
Swift  to  his  succor  through  the  ranks  he  ran: 
The  dauntless  king  yet  standing  firm  he  found, 
And  all  the  chiefs  in  deep  concern  around. 

*  Podnleirius  and  Machaon  are  the  leeches  of  the  Grecian  army, 
highly  prized  and  consulted  by  all  the  wounded  chiefs.  Their 
medical  renown  was  further  prolonged  in  the  subsequent  poem  of 
Arktinus,  the  Iliu  Persis,  wherein  the  one  was  represented  as 
unrivalled  in  surgical  operations,  the  other  as  sagacious  in  detect- 
ing and  appreciating  morbid  symptoms.  It  was  Podaleirius  who 
first  noticed  the  glaring  eyes  and  disturbed  deportment  which 
jtreceded  tlie  suicide  of  Ajax. 

"Galen  appears  uncertain  whether  Asklepius  (as  well  as 
Dionysius)  was  original iy  a  god,  or  whetlier  he  was  first  a  man 
and  then  became  afterwards  a  god;  but  Apoliodorus  professed  to 
fix  the  exact  date  of  his  apolhef)sis.  Throughout  all  the  historical 
ages  the  descendants  of  Asklepius  were  numerous  and  widely 
diffused.  The  many  families,  or  gentes,  called  Askle]iiads,  who 
devoted  themselves  to  the  .study  and  practice  of  medicine,  and 
who  principnlly  dwelt  near  the  temples  of  Asklepius,  whither  sick 
niid  sufTt-ring  men  came  to  obtain  rnlicjf — all  recognized  the  god 
not  oKTi-ly  as  th(;  oi)jcct  of  their  common  worshij),  but  also  as 
their  actual  progenitor." — Orote,  vrd.  j.  p.  248. 


138  '  THE  ILIAD. 

Where  to  the  steely  point  the  reed  was  join'd, 
The  shaft  he  drew,  hut  left  the  head  behind, 
Straight  the  broad  belt  with  gay  embroidery  graced, 
He  loosed;  the  corslet  from  his  breast  unbraced; 
Then  suck'd  the  blood,  and  sovereign  balm  infused,* 
AVhich  Chiron  gave,  and  ^sculapius  used. 

While  round  the  prince  the  Greeks  employ  their  care 
The  Trojans  rushed  tumultuous  to  the  war; 
Once  more  they  glittered  in  refulgent  arms, 
Once  more  the  fields  are  filled  with  dire  alarms. 
Nor  liad  you  seen  the  king  of  men  appear 
Confused,  unactive,  or  surjorised  with  fear. 
But  fond  of  glory,  with  severe  delight. 
His  beating  bosom  claim'd  the  rising  fight. 
No  longer  with  his  warlike  steeds  he  stay'd, 
Or  press'd  the  car  with  polish'd  brass  inlaid, 
But  left  Erymedon  the  reins  to  guide; 
The  fiery  coursers  snorted  at  his  side. 
On  foot  through  all  the  martial  ranks  he  moves, 
And  these  encourages,  and  those  reproves. 
"Brave  men!"  he  cries,  (to  such  who  boldly  dare 
Urge  their  swift  steeds  to  face  the  coming  war), 
*'Your  ancient  valor  on  the  foes  approve; 
Jove  is  with  Greece,  and  let  us  trust  in  Jove. 
'Tis  not  for  us,  but  guilty  Troy,  to  dread, 
Whose  crimes  sit  heavy  on  her  perjured  head; 
Her  sons  and  matrons  Greece  shall  lead  in  chains. 
And  her  dead  warriors  strew  the  mournful  plains." 

Thus  with  new  ardor  he  the  brave  inspires; 
Or  thus  the  fearful  with  reproaches  fires: 
"Shame  to  your  country,  scandal  of  your  kind; 
Born  to  the  fate  ye  well  deserve  to  find! 
Why  stand  ye  gazing  round  the  dreadful  plain, 
Prepared  for  flight,  but  doom'd  to  fly  in  vain? 
Confused  and  panting  thus,  the  hunted  deer 
Falls  as  he  flies,  a  victim  to  his  fear. 
Still  must  ye  wait  the  foes,  and  still  retire, 
Till  yon  tall  vessels  blaze  with  Trojan  fire? 

*  "  The  plant  she  bruises  with  a  stone,  and  stands 
Tempering  the  juice  between  her  ivory  hands. 
This  o'er  her  breast  she  sheds  with  sovereign  art, 
And  bathes  with  gentle  touch  the  wounded  part: 
The  wound  such  virtue  from  the  juice  derives, 
At  once  the  blood  is  stanch'd,  tlie  youth  revives." 

— "  Orlando  Furioso,"  book  7. 


THE  ILIAD.  139 

Or  trust  ye,  Jove  a  valiant  foe  shall  chase, 
To  save  a  trembling,  heartless,  dastard  race?" 

This  said,  he  stalk'd  with  ample  strides  along, 
To  Crete's  brave  monarch  and  his  martial  throng; 
High  at  their  head  he  saw  the  chief  appear, 
And  bold  Meriones  excite  the  rear. 
At  this  the  king  his  generous  joy  express'd, 
And  clasp'd  the  warrior  to  his  armed  breast. 
"Divine  Idomeneus!  what  thanks  we  owe 
To  worth  like  thine  I  what  praise  shall  we  bestow? 
To  thee  the  foremost  honors  are  decreed. 
First  in  the  fight  and  every  graceful  deed. 
For  this,  in  banquets,  when  the  generous  bowls 
Restore  our  blood,  and  raise  the  warriors'  souls, 
Thougli  all  the  rest  with  stated  rules  we  bound, 
Unmix'd,  unmeasured,  are  thy  goblets  crown'd. 
Be  still  thyself,  in  arms  a  mighty  name; 
Maintain  thy  honors,  and  enlarge  thy  fame." 
To  whom  the  Cretan  thus  his  speech  address'd, 
"Secure  of  me,  0  king!  exhort  the  rest.  ■ 
Fix'd  to  thy  side,  in  every  toil  I  share, 
Thy  firm  associate  in  the  day  of  war. 
But  let  the  signal  be  this  moment  given; 
To  mix  in  fight  is  all  I  ask  of  heaven. 
The  field  shall  prove  how  perjuries  succeed, 
And  chains  or  death  avenge  the  impious  deed. 

Charm'd  with  this  heat,  the  king  his  course  pursues, 
And  next  the  troops  of  either  Ajax  views: 
In  one  firm  orb  the  bands  were  ranged  around, 
A  cloud  of  heroes  blacken'd  all  the  ground. 
Thus  from  the  lofty  promontory's  brow 
A  swain  surveys  the  gathering  storm  below; 
Slow  from  the  main  the  heavy  vapors  rise. 
Spread  in  dim  streams,  and  sail  along  the  skies, 
Till  black  as  night  the  swelling  tempest  shows. 
The  cloud  condensing  as  the  west  wind  blows: 
He  dreads  the  impending  storm,  and  drives  his  flock 
To  the  close  covert  of  an  arching  rock. 

Such,  and  so  thick,  the  ombnttled  squadrons  stood, 
Witli  spears  erect,  a  moving  iron  wood: 
A  shady  ligiit  was  shot  from  glimmei'ing  shields, 
And  their  l)rf)wn  arms  obscured  liie  dusky  fields. 

"0  heroes!  worthy  such  a  dauntless  train, 
Whose  godlike  virtue  wo  but  urge  in  vain, 


140  THE  ILIAD. 

(Exchiim'd  the  king),  who  raise  your  eager  bands 
With  great  examples,  more  than  loud  commands. 
Ah!  would  the  gods  but  breathe  in  all  the  rest 
Such  souls  as  burn  in  your  exalted  breast, 
Soon  should  our  arms  with  just  success  be  crown'd, 
And  Troy's  proud  walls  lie  smoking  on  the  ground." 

Then  to  the  next  the  general  bends  his  couise; 
(His  heart  exults,  and  glories  in  his  force); 
There  reverend  Nestor  ranks  his  Pylian  bands, 
And  with  inspiring  eloquence  commands; 
With  strictest  order  sets  his  train  in  arms. 
The  chiefs  advises,  and  the  soldiers  warms. 
Alastor,  Chromius,  HfBmon,  round  him  wait, 
Bias  the  good,  and  Pelagon  the  great. 
The  horse  and  chariots  to  the  front  assign'd, 
The  foot  (the  strength  of  war)  he  ranged  behind: 
The  middle  space  suspected  troops  supply. 
Inclosed  by  both,  nor  left  the  power  to  fly; 
He  gives  command  to  "curb  the  fiery  steed. 
Nor  cause  confusion,  nor  the  ranks  exceed: 
Before  the  rest  let  none  too  rashly  ride; 
No  strength  nor  skill,  but  just  in  time,  be  tried: 
The  charge  once  made,  no  warrior  turn  the  rein, 
But  fight,  or  fall;  a  firm  embodied  train. 
He  whom  the  fortune  of  the  field  shall  cast 
From  forth  his  chariot,  mount  the  next  in  haste; 
Nor  seek  unpractised  to  direct  the  car. 
Content  with  javelins  to  provoke  the  war. 
Our  great  forefathers  held  this  prudent  course. 
Thus  ruled  their  ardor,  thus  preserved  their  force; 
By  laws  like  these  immortal  conquests  made. 
And  earth's  proud  tyrants  low  in  ashes  laid." 

So  spoke  the  master  of  the  martial  art. 
And  touch'd  with  transport  great  Atrides'  heart. 
"Oh!  hadst  thou  strength  to  match  thy  brave  desires. 
And  nerves  to  second  what  thy  soul  inspires! 
But  wasting  years,  that  wither  human  race, 
Exhaust  thy  spirits,  and  thy  arms  unbrace. 
What  once  thou  wert,  oh  ever  mightst  tliou  be! 
And  age  the  lot  of  any  chief  but  thee." 

Thus  to  the  experienced  prince  Atrides  cried; 
He  shook  his  hoary  locks,  and  thus  replied: 
"Well  might  1  wish,  could  mortal  wish  renew* 

*  Well  might  I  vnsh. 

"  Would  beav'n  (said  he)  my  strength  and  youth  recall, 
Such  as  I  was  beneath  Praeneste's  wall — 


THE  ILIAD.  141 

That  strength  which  ouce  in  boiling  youth  I  knew; 

Such  as  I  was,  when  Ereuthalion,  shiin 

Beneath  this  arm,  fell  prostrate  on  the  plain. 

But  heaven  its  gifts  not  all  at  once  bestows, 

These  years  with  wisdom  crowns,  with  action  those: 

The  field  of  combat  fits  the  young  and  bold. 

The  solemn  council  best  becomes  the  old: 

To  you  the  glorious  conflict  I  resign, 

Let  sage  advice,  the  palm  of  age,  be  mine." 

He  said.     With  joy  the  monarch  march'd  before. 
And  found  Menestheus  on  the  dusty  shore. 
With  whom  the  firm  Athenian  phalanx  stands; 
And  next  Ulysses,  with  his  subject  bands. 
Remote  their  forces  lay,  nor  knew  so  far 
The  peace  infringed,  nor  heard  the  sounds  of  war; 
The  tumult  late  begun,  they  stood  intent 
To  watch  the  motion,  dubious  of  the  event. 
The  king,  who  saw  their  squadrons  yet  unmoved, 
With  hasty  ardor  thus  the  chief  reproved: 

"Can  Peleus'  son  forget  a  warrior's  part, 
And  fears  Ulysses,  skill'd  in  every  art? 
Why  stand  you  distant,  and  tlie  rest  expect 
To  mix  in  combat  with  yourselves  neglect? 
From  you  'twas  hoped  among  the  first  to  dare 
The  shock  of  armies,  and  commence  the  war; 
For  this  your  juimes  are  call'd  before  the  rest, 
To  share  the  pleasures  of  the  genial  feast: 
And  can  you,  ciiiefsl  without  a  blush  survey 
Whole  troops  before  you  laboring  in  the  fray? 
Say,  is  it  thus  those  honors  you  requite? 
The  first  in  banquets,  but  the  last  in  fight." 

Ulysses  heard:  tlie  hero's  warmth  o'erspread 
His  cheek  with  blushes:  and  severe,  he  said: 
"Take  back  the  unjust  reproach!     Behold  we  stand 
Sheathed  in  briglit  arms,  and  but  expect  command. 
If  glorious  deeds  afl'ord  thy  soul  deligiit. 
Behold  me  plunging  in  the  thickest  fight. 
Then  give  thy  warrior-chief  a  warrior's  due. 
Who  dares  to  act  whatc'er  thou  dar'st  to  view." 
Struck  with  his  generous  wrath,  the  king  replies: 

"0  great  in  action,  aiul  in  council  wise! 

Tlifn  wlien  I  iiiHile  llie  foremost  foes  retire, 
An<l  set  wliole  lieuits  of  corujuer'd  sbielda  on  fire; 
When  llerilus  in  single  fif^lit  I  slew, 
Whom  with  three  lives  Feronin  did  endure." 

— Drydcn's  X'irgil,  viii.  742. 


142  THE  ILIAD. 

With  ours,  tliy  care  and  ardor  are  the  same, 

Nor  need  I  to  coniniend,  nor  aiiglit  to  blame. 

Sage  as  thou  art,  and  learu'd  in  liuman  kind, 

Forgive  the  transport  of  a  martial  mind 

Haste  to  the  fight,  secure  of  just  amends; 

The  gods  that  make,  shall  keep  the  worthy,  friends. 

He  said,  and  pass'd  where  great  Tydides  lay, 
His  steeds  and  chariots  wedged  in  firm  array; 
(The  warlike  Sthenelus  attends  his  side;)* 
To  whom  with  stern  reproach  the  monarch  cried: 
"0  son  of  Tydeus!  (he,  whose  strength  could  tame 
The  bounding  steed,  in  arms  a  mighty  name) 
Canst  thou,  remote,  the  mingling  hosts  descry, 
With  hands  nnactive,  and  a  careless  eye? 
Not  thus  thy  sire  the  fierce  encounter  fear'd; 
Still  first  in  front  the  matchless  prince  appear'd: 
What  glorious  toils,  what  wonders  they  recite. 
Who  view'd  him  laboring  through  the  ranks  of  fight. 
I  saw  him  once,  when  gathering  martial  powers, 
A  peaceful  guest,  he  sought  Mycenge's  towers; 
Armies  he  ask'd,  and  armies  had  been  given, 
Not  we  denied,  but  Jove  forbade  from  heaven; 
While  dreadful  comets  glaring  from  afar, 
Forewaru'd  the  horrors  of  the  Theban  war.f 
Next,  sent  by  Greece  from  where  Asopus  flows, 
A  fearless  envoy,  he  approach'd  the  foes; 
Thebes'  hostile  walls  unguarded  and  alone. 
Dauntless  he  enters,  and  demands  the  throne. 
The  tyrant  feasting  with  his  chiefs  he  found, 
And  dared  to  combat  all  those  chiefs  around: 
Dared,  and  subdued  before  their  haughty  lord; 
For  Pallas  strung  his  arm  and  edged  his  sword. 
Stung  with  the  shame,  within  the  winding  way. 
To  bar  his  passage  fifty  warriors  lay; 
Two  heroes  led  the  secret  squadron  on, 
Mseon  the  fierce,  and  hardly  Lycophon; 
Those  fifty  slaughter'd  in  the  gloomy  vale. 
He  spared  but  one  to  bear  the  dreadful  tale. 
Such  Tydeus  was,  and  such  his  martial  fire; 
Gods!  how  the  son  degenerates  from  the  sire! 


*  Sthenlus,  a  son  of  Capaneus,  one  of  the  Epigoni.  He  was  one 
of  the  suitors  of  Helen,  and  is  said  to  have  been  one  of  those  who 
entered  Troy  inside  the  wooden  horse. 

f  Forewarn' d  the  horrors.  The  same  portent  has  already  been 
mentioned.  To  tliis  day,  modern  nations  are  not  wholly  free 
from  this  superstition. 


THE  ILIAD.  143 

Xo  words  the  godlike  Diomed  retiirn'd, 
But  heard  respectful,  and  m  secret  burn'd: 
Not  so  fierce  Capaneus'  undaunted  son; 
Stern  as  his  sire,  the  boaster  thus  begun: 

'"What  needs,  0  monarch!  this  invidious  praise 
Ourselves  to  lessen,  while  our  sire  you  raise? 
Dare  to  be  just,  Atrides!  and  confess 
Our  value  equal,  though  our  fury  less. 
AVith  fewer  troops  we  storm'd  the  Theban  wall, 
And  happier  saw  the  sevenfold  city  fall,* 
In  impious  acts  the  guilty  father  died; 
The  sons  subdued,  for  Heaven  was  on  their  side 
Far  more  than  heirs  of  all  our  parents'  fame, 
Our  glories  darken  their  diminish'd  name." 

To  him  Tydides  thus:  "My  friend,  forbear; 
Suppress  thy  passion,  and  the  king  revere: 
His  high  concern  may  well  excuse  this  rage, 
Whose  cause  we  follow,  and  whose  war  we  wage: 
His  the  first  praise,  were  Iliou's  towers  o'erthrown, 
And,  if  we  fail,  the  chief  disgrace  his  own. 
Let  him  the  Greeks  to  hardy  toils  excite, 
'Tis  ours  to  labor  in  the  glorious  fight." 

He  spoke,  and  ardent,  on  the  trembling  ground 
Sprung  from  his  car:  his  ringing  arms  resound. 
Dire  was  tlie  clang,  and  dreadful  from  afar, 
Of  arm'd  Tydides  rushing  to  the  war. 
As  when  the  winds,  ascending  by  degrees, f 
First  move  the  whitening  surface  of  the  seas, 
The  billows  lloat  in  order  to  the  shore. 
The  wave  behind  rolls  on  the  wave  before; 
Till,  witli  the  growing  storm,  the  deejis  arise. 
Foam  o'er  the  rocks,  and  thunder  to  the  skies. 
So  to  the  tight  the  thick  battalions  throng, 
Shields  urged  on  shields,  and  men  drove  men  along, 
Sedate  and  silent  move  the  numerf)us  bands; 
No  sound,  no  whisper,  but  tlie  chief's  commands, 
Those  only  heard;  with  awe  the  rest  obey. 
As  if  some  god  had  snatch'd  their  voice  away. 

*  Sevenfold  eitij.     Hajoliun  Thebes,  which  had  seven  gates. 
f  As  when  the  windn. 

"  Tims,  wlieii  a  black-brow'd  gust  begins  to  rise, 
Wliite  foam  at  first  on  tlie  curl'd  ocean  fries; 
Then  roars  tlie  main,  the  billows  mount  the  skies; 
Till,  by  the  fury  of  the  storm  full   IjJown, 
The  mudily  liillow  o'er  the-  clouds  is  thrown." 

— Drydeu's  Virgil,  vii.  736. 


144  THE  ILIAD. 

Not  so  the  Trojans;  from  their  host  ascends 
A  general  shout  tliiit  all  the  region  rends. 
As  when  the  fleecy  flocks  nnnuniber'd  stand 
In  wealthy  folds,  and  wait  the  milker's  hand, 
The  hollow  vales  incessant  bleating  fills, 
The  lambs  reply  from  all  the  neighboring  hills: 
Snch  clamors  rose  from  various  nations  round, 
Mix'd  was  the  murmur,  and  confused  the  sound. 
Each  host  now  joins,  and  each  a  god  inspires, 
These  Mars  incites,  and  those  Minerva  fires, 
Pale  flight  around,  and  dreadful  terror  reign; 
And  discord  raging  bathes  the  purple  plain; 
Discord!  dire  sister  of  the  slaughtering  power, 
Small  at  her  birth,  but  rising  every  hour, 
While  scarce  the  skies  her  horrid  head  can  bound, 
She  stalks  on  earth,  and  shakes  the  world  around;  * 
The  nations  bleed,  where'er  her  steps  she  turns. 
The  groan  still  deepens,  and  the  combat  burns. 

Now  shield  with  shield,  with  helmet  helmet  closed, 
To  armor  armor,  lance  to  lance  opposed. 
Host  against  host  with  shadowy  squadrons  drew, 
The  sounding  darts  in  iron  tempests  flew, 
Victors  and  vanquish'd  join'd  promiscuous  cries. 
And  thrilling  shouts  and  dying  groans  arise; 
With  streaming  blood  the  slippery  fields  are  dyed. 
And  slaughter'd  heroes  swell  the  dreadful  tide. 

As  torrents  roll,  increased  by  numerous  rills. 
With  rage  impetuous,  down  their  echoing  hills 
Eush  to  the  vales,  and  pour'd  along  the  plain, 
Eoar  through  a  thousand  channels  to  the  main: 
The  distant  shepherd  trembling  hears  the  sound. 
So  mix  both  hosts,  and  so  their  cries  rebound. 

The  bold  Antilochus  the  slaughter  led. 
The  first  who  struck  a  valiant  Trojan  dead: 
At  great  Echepolus  the  lance  arrives, 
Eazed  his  high  crest,  and  through  his  helmet  drives; 
Warm'd  in  the  brain  the  brazen  weapon  lies. 
And  shades  eternal  settle  o'er  his  eyes. 
So  sinks  a  tower,  that  long  assaulted  had  stood 
Of  force  and  fire,  its  walls  besmear'd  with  blood. 


*  "Stood 
Like  Teneriffe  or  Atlas  unremoved; 
His  stature  reach'd  tlie  sky." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  986. 


THE  ILIAD.  145 

Him,  the  bold  leader  of  the  Abantian  throng.* 
Seized  to  despoil,  and  dragg'd  the  corpse  along, 
But  while  he  strove  to  tug  the  inserted  dart, 
Agenor's  javelin  reach 'd  the  hero's  heart. 
His  flank,  unguarded  by  his  ample  shield, 
Admits  the  lance:  he  falls,  and  spurns  the  field; 
The  nerves,  unbraced,  support  his  limbs  no  more; 
The  soul  comes  floating  in  a  tide  of  gore. 
Trojans  and  Greeks  now  gather  round  the  slain; 
The  war  renews,  the  warriors  bleed  again: 
As  o'er  their  prey  rapacious  wolves  engage, 
Man  dies  on  man,  and  all  is  blood  and  rage. 

In  blooming  youth  fair  Simoisius  fell. 
Sent  by  great  Ajax  to  the  shades  of  hell; 
Fair  Simoisius,  whom  his  mother  bore 
Amid  the  flocks  on  silver  Simois'  shore: 
The  nymph  descending  from  the  hills  of  Ide, 
To  seek  her  parents  on  his  flowery  side, 
Brought  forth  the  babe,  their  common  care  and  joy, 
And  thence  from  Simois  named  the  lovely  boy. 
Short  was  his  date  I  by  dreadful  Ajax  slain. 
He  falls,  and  renders  all  their  cares  in  vain! 
So  falls  a  poplar,  tluit  in  watery  ground 
Raised  high  the  head,  witli  stately  branches  crown'd, 
(Fell'd  by  some  artist  with  liis  shining  steel, 
To  shape  the  circle  of  the  bending  wheel,) 
Cut  down  it  lies,  tall,  smootli,  and  largely  spread, 
With  all  its  beauteous  honors  on  its  head: 
There,  left  a  subject  to  the  wind  and  rain. 
And  scorch'd  by  suns,  it  withers  on  the  plain: 
Thus  pierced  by  Ajax,  Simoisius  lies 
Stretch'd  on  the  siiore,  and  thus  neglected  dies. 

At  Ajax  Antiphus  his  javelin  threw; 
The  pointed  lance  with  erring  fury  flew. 
And  Leucus,  loved  by  wise  Ulysses,  slew. 
He  drops  the  corpse  of  Simoisius  slain, 
And  sinks  a  breathless  carcase  on  the  plain. 
Tliis  saw  Ulysses,  and  with  grief  enraged. 
Strode  where  the  foremost  of  the  foes  engaged; 
Arin'd  with  liis  spear,  he  meditates  tlie  wound, 
In  act  to  throw;  liut  cautious  look'd  arouiul, 
Struck  at  his  sight  the  Trojans  backward  tlrow, 
And  trembling  heard  the  javelin  as  it  flew. 

*  The  Abantes  seem  to  have  been  of  Thracian  origin. 


i 


14G  THE  ILIAD. 

A  chief  stood  nigh,  who  from  Abydos  came, 
Old  Prium's  son,  Democoon  \v;is  his  mime. 
The  weapon  enter'd  close  above  his  ear. 
Cold  through  his  temples  glides  the  whizzing  spear;* 
With  piercing  shrieks  the  youth  resigns  his  breath; 
His  eyeballs  darken  with  the  shades  of  death ; 
Ponderous  he  falls;  his  clanging  arnis  resound, 
And  his  broad  buckler  rings  against  the  ground. 

Seized  with  affright  the  boldest  foes  appear; 
E'en  godlike  Hector  seems  himself  to  fear; 
Slow  he  gave  way,  the  rest  tumultuous  fled; 
The  Greeks  with  shouts  press  on,  and  spoil  the  dead; 
But  Phoebus  now  from  Iliou's  towering  height 
Shines  forth  reveal'd,  and  animates  the  fight. 
"Trojans,  be  bold,  and  force  with  force  oppose; 
Your  foaming  steeds  urge  headlong  on  the  foes! 
Nor  are  their  bodies  rocks,  nor  ribb'd  with  steel; 
Your  weapons  enter,  and  your  strokes  they  feel. 
Have  ye  forgot  what  seem'd  your  dread  before? 
The  great,  the  fierce  Achilles  fights  no  more." 

Apollo  thus  from  Ilion's  lofty  towers, 
Array'd  in  terrors,  roused  the  Trojan  powers: 
While  war's  fierce  goddess  fires  the  Grecian  foe, 
And  shouts  and  thunders  in  the  fields  below. 
Then  great  Diores  fell,  by  doom  divine. 
In  vain  his  valor  and  illustrious  line. 
A  broken  rock  the  force  of  Pyrus  threw 
(Who  from  cold  vEnns  led  the  Thracian  crew),f 
Full  on  his  ankle  dropp'd  the  ponderous  stone, 
Burst  the  strong  nerves,  and  crash'd  the  solid  bone; 
Supine  he  tumbles  on  the  crimson  sands, 
Before  his  helpless  friends,  and  native  bands. 
And  spreads  for  aid  his  unavailing  hands. 
The  foe  rush'd  furious  as  he  pants  for  breath, 
And  through  his  navel  drove  the  pointed  death: 
His  gushing  entrails  smoked  upon  the  ground. 
And  the  warm  life  came  issuing  from  the  wound. 

His  lance  bold  Thoas  at  the  conquerer  sent. 
Deep  in  his  breast  above  the  pap  it  went. 
Amid  the  lungs  was  fix'd  the  winged  wood. 
And  quivering  in  his  heaving  hosora  stood: 

*I  may,  once  for  all,  remark  that  Homer  is  most  anatoliiically 
correct  as  to  the  parts  of  the  body  in  which  a  wound  would  be 
imuietiiately  mortal. 

f  udfJuun,  a  fountain  almost  proverbial  for  its  coldness. 


TEE  ILIAD.  147 

Till  from  the  dying  chief,  approaching  near, 
The  ^Etolian  warrior  tngg'd  his  weighty  spear: 
Then  sudden  waved  his  flaming  falcliion  round. 
And  gash'd  his  belly  with  a  gliastly  wound; 
The  corpse  now  breathless  on  the  bloody  ph^in, 
To  spoil  his  arms  the  victor  strove  in  vain; 
The  Thracian  bands  against  the  victor  press'd, 
A  grove  of  lances  glitter'd  at  his  breast. 
Stern  Thoas,  glaring  with  revengeful  eyes, 
In  sullen  fury  slowly  quits  the  prize. 

Thus  fell  two  heroes;  one  the  pride  of  Thrace, 
And  one  the  leader  of  the  Epeian  race; 
Death's  sable  shade  at  once  o'ercast  their  eyes. 
In  dust  the  vanquish'd  and  the  victor  lies. 
With  copious  slaughter  all  the  fields  are  red. 
And  heap'd  with  growing  mountains  of  the  dead. 

Had  some  brave  chief  this  martial  scene  beheld. 
By  Pallas  guarded  through  the  dreadful  field; 
Might  darts  be  bid  to  turn  their  points  away, 
And  swords  around  him  innocently  play; 
The  war's  whole  art  with  wonder  had  he  seen. 
And  counted  heroes  where  he  counted  men. 

So  fought  each  host,  with  thirst  of  glory  fired, 
And  crowds  on  crowds  triumphantly  expired. 


148 


THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  V. 

AEGUMENT. 

THE   ACTS   OF    DIOMED. 

Diomed,  assisted  by  Pallas,  performs  wonders  in  this  day's  battle. 
Pandarus  wounds  him  with  an  arrow,  but  the  goddess  cures 
him,  enables  him  to  discern  gods  from  mortals,  and  prohibits 
him  from  contending  with  any  of  the  former,  excepting 
Venus,  ^neas  joins  Pandarus  to  oppose  him;  Pandarus  is 
killed,  and  ^neas  in  great  danger  but  fur  the  assistance  of 
Venus;  who,  as  she  is  removing  her  son  from  the  fight,  is 
wounded  on  the  hand  by  Diomed.  Apollo  seconds  her  in  his 
rescue,  and  at  length  carries  off  iEneas  to  Troy,  where  he  is 
healed  in  the  temple  of  Pergamus.  Mars  rallies  the  Trojans, 
and  assists  Hector  to  make  a  stand.  In  the  meantime  ^neas 
is  restored  to  the  field,  and  they  overthrow  several  of  the 
Greeks;  among  the  rest  Tlepolemus  is  slain  by  Sarpedon. 
Juno  and  Minerva  descend  to  resist  Mars;  the  latter  incites 
Diomed  to  go  against  the  god;  he  wounds  him  and  sends  him 
groaning  to  heaven. 

The  first  battle  continues  through  this  book      The  scene  is 
the  same  as  in  the  former. 

But  Pallas  now  Tydides'  soul  inspires,* 
Fills  with  her  force,  and  warms  with  all  her  fires, 
Above  the  Greeks  his  deathless  fame  to  raise, 
.And  crown  her  hero  with  distinguish'd  praise. 
High  on  his  helm  celestial  lightnings  play. 
His  beamy  shield  emits  a  living  ray; 
The  unwearied  blaze  incessant  streams  supplies. 
Like  the  red  star  that  fires  the  autumnal  skies, 
When  fresh  he  rears  his  radiant  orb  to  sight, 
And,  bathed  in  ocean,  shoots  a  keener  light. 
Such  glories  Pallas  on  the  chief  bestow'd. 
Such,  from  his  arms,  the  fierce  effulgence  flow'd: 

♦  Compare  Tasso,  Gier.  Lib.,  xx.  7: 

"  Nuovo  favor  del  cielo  in  lui  niluce 
E  '1  fa  grande,  et  angusto  oltre  il  costume, 
Ur  empie  d'  honor  la  faccia,  e  vi  riduce 
Di  giovinezza  il  bel  purpureo  lume." 


THE  ILIAD.  149 

Onward  she  drives  him,  furious  to  engage, 

Where  the  fight  burns,  and  where  the  tliickest  rage. 

The  sons  of  Dares  first  the  combat  sought, 
A  wealthy  priest,  but  rich  without  a  fault; 
In  Vulcan's  fane  the  father's  days  were  led, 
The  sons  to  toils  of  glorious  battle  bred; 
These  singled  from  their  troops  the  fight  maintain, 
These,  from  their  steeds,  Tydides  on  the  plain. 
Fierce  for  renown  the  brother-chiefs  draw  near, 
And  first  bold  Phegeus  cast  his  sounding  spear. 
Which  o'er  the  warrior's  shoulder  took  its  course, 
And  spent  in  empty  air  its  erring  force. 
Not  so,  Tydides,  flew  thy  lance  in  vain. 
But  pierced  his  breast,  and  stretch'd  him  on  the  plain. 
Seized  with  unusual  fear,  Idteus  fled. 
Left  the  rich  chariot,  and  his  brother  dead. 
And  had  not  Vulcan  lent  celestial  aid. 
He  too  had  sunk  to  death's  eternal  shade; 
But  in  a  smoky  cloud  the  god  of  fire 
Preserved  the  son,  in  pity  to  the  sire. 
The  steeds  and  chariot,  to  the  navy  led, 
Increased  the  spoils  of  gallant  Diomed. 

Struck  with  amaze  and  shame,  the  Trojan  crew," 
Or  slain,  or  fled,  the  sons  of  Dares  view; 
When  by  the  blood-stain'd  hand  Minerva  press'd 
The  god  of  battles,  and  this  speech  address'd: 

"Stern  power  of  war!  by  whom  the  mighty  fall. 
Who  bathe  in  blood,  and  shake  the  lofty  wall! 
Let  the  brave  chiefs  their  glorious  toils  divide; 
And  whose  the  conquest,  mighty  Jove  decide: 
While  we  from  interdicted  lields  retire, 
Nor  tempt  the  wrath  of  heaven's  avenging  sire." 

Her  words  allay  the  impetuous  warrior's  heat, 
The  god  of  arms  and  martial  maid  retreat: 
Removed  from  fight,  on  Xantlius'  flowery  bounds 
Tliey  sat,  and  listen'd  to  the  dying  sounds. 

.Meantime,  the  Greeks  the  Trojan  race  jjursue, 
And  some  bold  oiiieftain  every  leader  slew: 
First  Odius  falls,  and  bites  the  bloody  sand. 
His  death  ciinobhifl  by  Atrides'  band: 

As  he  to  flight  his  wheeling  car  address'd, 
The  speedy  javelin  drove  from  back  to  breast. 
In  dust  the  mighty  Halizonian  lay, 
Jlis  arms  resound,  the  K})irit  wings  its  way. 


V 


150  THE  ILIAD. 

Thy  fate  was  next,  0  Pha?stns!  doom'd  to  feel 
The  great  Idomeneus'  protended  steel; 
Whom  Borns  sent  (his  son  and  only  joy) 
From  fruitful  Tarne  to  the  fields  of  Troy. 
The  Cretan  javelin  reach'd  him  from  afar, 
And  pierced  his  shoulder  as  he  mounts  his  car; 
Back  from-  the  car  he  tumbles  to  the  ground, 
And  everlasting  shades  his  eyes  surround. 

Then  died  Scamandrius,  exjiert  in  the  chase. 
In  woods  and  wilds  to  wound  the  savage  race; 
Diana  taught  him  all  her  sylvan  arts, 
To  bend  the  bow  and  aim  unerring  darts: 
But  vainly  here  Diana's  arts  he  tries, 
The  fatal  lance  arrests  him  as  he  flies; 
From  Menelaus'  arm  the  weapon  sent, 
Through  his  broad  back  and  heaving  bosom  went; 
Down  sinks  the  warrior  with  a  thundering  sound. 
His  brazen  armor  rings  against  the  ground. 

Next  artful  Phereclus  untimely  fell; 
Bold  Merion  sent  him  to  the  realms  of  hell. 
Thy  father's  skill,  0  Phereclus!  was  thine. 
The  graceful  fabric  and  tiie  fair  design; 
For  loved  by  Pallas,  PaHas  did  impart 
To  him  the  shipwright's  and  the  builder's  art. 
Beneath  his  hand  the  fleet  of  Paris  rose. 
The  fatal  cause  of  all  his  country's  woes; 
But  he,  the  mystic  will  of  heaven  unknown, 
Nor  saw  his  country's  peril,  nor  his  own. 
The  hapless  artist,  Avhile  confused  he  fled, 
The  spear  of  Merion  mingled  with  the  dead. 
Through  his  right  hip,  with  forceful  fury  cast. 
Between  the  bladder  and  the  bone  it  pass'd; 
Prone  on  his  knees  he  falls  with  fruitless  cries. 
And  death  in  lasting  slumber  seals  his  eyes. 

From  Meges'  force  the  swift  Pedjeus  fled, 
Antenor's  offspring  from  a  foreign  bed, 
Whose  generous  spouse,  Theanor,  heavenly  fair, 
Nursed  the  young  stranger  with  a  mother's  care. 
How  vain  those  cares!  wlien  Meges  in  the  rear 
Full  in  his  nape  infix'd  the  fatal  spear; 
Swift  through  his  crackling  jaws  the  weapon  glides, 
And  the  cold  tongue  and  grinning  teeth  divides. 

Then  died  Hypsenor,  generous  and  divine. 
Sprung  from  the  brave  Dolopion's  mighty  line, 


THE  ILIAD.  151 

Who  near  adored  Scamander  made  abode, 
Priest  of  the  stream,  and  honored  as  a  god. 
On  him,  amidst  the  flying  numbers  found, 
Eurypylus  inflicts  a  deadly  wound; 
On  iVs  broad  shoulders  fell  the  forceful  brand, 
Thence  glancing  downwards,  lopp'd  his  holy  hand, 
Which  stain'd  with  sacred  blood  the  blushing  sand. 
Down  sunk  the  priest:  the  purple  hand  of  death 
Closed  his  dim  eye,  and  fate  suppress'd  his  breath. 

Thus  toil'd  the  chiefs,  in  different  parts  engaged. 
In  every  quarter  fierce  Tydides  raged; 
Amid  the  Greek,  amid  the  Trojan  train, 
Eapt  through  the  ranks  he  thunders  o'er  the  plain; 
Now  here,  now  there,  he  darts  from  place  to  place, 
Pours  on  the  rear,  or  lightens  in  their  face. 
Thus  from  high  hills  the  torrents  swift  and  strong 
Deluge  whole  fields,  and  sweejJ  the  trees  along. 
Through  ruin'd  moles  the  rushing  wave  resounds, 
O'erwhelms  the  bridge,  and  bursts  the  lofty  bounds; 
The  yellow  harvests  of  the  ripen'd  year. 
And  flatted  vineyards,  one  sad  waste  appear!* 
While  Jove  descends  in  sluicy  sheets  of  rain, 
And  all  the  labors  of  mnnkind  are  vain. 

So  raged  Tydides,  boundless  in  his  ire. 
Drove  armies  back,  and  made  all  Troy  retire. 
With  grief  the  leader  of  the  Lvcian  band 
Saw  the  wide  waste  of  his  destructive  hand: 
His  bended  bow  against  the  chief  he  drew; 
Swift  to  the  mark  the  thirsty  arrow  flew. 
Whose  forky  point  the  hollow  breastplate  tore, 
Deep  in  his  shoulder  pierced,  and  drank  the  gore: 
The  rushing  stream  his  brazen  armor  dyed. 
While  tiie  proud  archer  thus  exulting  cried: 

"Hither,  ye  Trojans,  hither  drive  your  steeds! 
Lo!  by  our  hand  the  bravest  Grecian  bleeds, 
Not  long  the  deathful  dart  he  can  sustain; 
Or  Plufibus  urged  me  to  these  fields  in  vain." 
So  spoke  he,  boastful:  but  the  winged  dart 
Stopp'd  short  of  life,  and  mock'd  the  shooter's  art. 

*  "  Or  deluges,  descending  on  tlie  plains, 

•Sweep  o'er  the  yellow  ear,  destroy  the  pains 
Of  lalj'rinf^  oxen,  and  the  jieasaiit's  gains; 
Uproot  tiie  forest  oaks,  and  Ix'ur  away 
Flocks,  folds,  and  trees,  an  ull(li^till^^lisl^d  prey." 

— Drydcn's  Virgil,  ii.  408. 


153  THE  ILIAD. 

The  wounded  chief,  behind  his  car  retired,' 
The  hel})ing  hand  of  Sthenelns  required; 
Swift  from  his  seat  he  leap'd  upon  the  ground, 
And  tugg'd  the  weapon  from  the  gushing  wound; 
AVhen  thus  the  king  his  guardian  power  address'd, 
The  purple  current  wandering  o'er  his  vest: 

"0  progeny  of  Jovel  unconquer'd  maid! 
If  e'er  my  godlike  sire  deserved  thy  aid, 
If  e'er  I  felt  thee  in  the  fighting  field; 
Now,  goddess,  now,  thy  sacred  succor  yield. 
0  give  my  lance  to  reach  the  Trojan  knight, 
Whose  arrow  wounds  the  chief  thou  guard'st  in  fight; 
And  lay  the  boaster  grovelling  on  the  shore, 
That  vaunts  tliese  eyes  shall  view  the  light  no  more." 

Thus  pray'd  Tydides,  and  Minerva  heard. 
His  nerves  confirm'd,  his  languid  spirits  cheer'd; 
He  feels  each  limb  with  wonted  vigor  light; 
His  beating  bosom  claim'd  the  promised  fight. 
"Be  bold  (she  cried),  in  every  combat  shine, 
War  be  thy  province,  thy  protection  mine; 
Kush  to  the  fight,  and  every  foe  control; 
Wake  each  paternal  virtue  in  thy  soul: 
Strength  swells  thy  boiling  breast,  infused  by  me, 
And  all  thy  godlike  father  breathes  in  thee; 
Yet  more,  from  mortal  mists  I  purge  thy  eyes,* 
And  set  to  view  the  warring  deities. 
These  see  thou  shun,  through  all  the  embattled  plain; 
Nor  rashly  strive  where  human  force  is  vain. 
If  Venus  mingle  in  the  martial  band. 
Her  shalt  thou  wound:  so  Pallas  gives  command." 

With  that,  the  blue-eyed  virgin  wing'd  her  flight; 
The  hero  rush'd  impetuous  to  the  fight; 
With  tenfold  ardor  now  invades  the  plain, 
Wild  with  delay,  and  more  enraged  by  pain. 
As  on  the  fleecy  flocks  when  hunger  calls. 
Amidst  the  field  a  brindled  lion  falls; 
If  chance  some  shepherd  with  a  distant  dart 
The  savage  wound,  he  rouses  at  the  smart. 
He  foams,  he  roars;  the  shepherd  dares  not  stay. 
But  trembling  leaves  the  scattering  flocks  a  prey; 


*  From  mortal  mists.  * 

"  But  to  nobler  sights 
Michael  from  Adam's  eyes  the  film  removed." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  xi.  411. 


THE  ILIAD.  153 

Heaps  fall  on  heaps;  he  bathes  with  blood  the  ground, 

Then  leaps  victorious  o'er  the  lofty  mound, 

Xot  with  less  fury  stern  Tydides  flew; 

And  two  brave  leaders  at  an  instant  slew; 

Astynoiis  breathless  fell,  and  by  his  side, 

His  people's  pastor,  good  Hypenor,  died; 

Astvnoiis'  breast  the  deadlv  lance  receives, 

Ilypenor's  shoulder  his  broad  falchion  cleaves. 

Those  slain  he  left,  and  sprung  with  noble  rage 

Abas  and  Polyidus  to  engage; 

Sons  of  Eurydamus,  who,  wise  and  old. 

Could  fate  foresee,  and  mystic  dreams  unfold; 

The  youths  return'd  not  from  the  doubtful  plain, 

And  the  sad  father  tried  his  arts  in  vain; 

Xo  mystic  dream  could  make  their  fates  appear. 

Though  now  determined  by  Tydides'  spear. 

Young  Xanthus  next,  and  Thoon  felt  his  rage: 
The  joy  and  hope  of  Phsenops'  feeble  age: 
Vast  was  his  wealth,  and  these  the  only  heirs 
Of  all  his  labors  and  a  life  of  cares. 
Cold  death  o'ertakes  them  in  their  blooming  years, 
And  leaves  the  fatlier  unavailing  tears: 
To  strangers  now  descends  his  hcapy  store. 
The  race  forgotten,  and  the  name  no  more. 

Two  sons  of  Priam  in  one  chariot  ride. 
Glittering  in  arms,  and  combat  side  by  side. 
As  when  the  lordly  lion  seeks  his  food 
Where  grazing  heifers  range  the  lonely  wood, 
He  leaps  anndst  them  with  a  furious  bound. 
Bends  their  strong  necks,  and  tears  them  to  the  ground : 
So  from  their  seats  the  brother  chiefs  are  torn, 
Their  steeds  and  chariot  to  the  luivy  borne. 

With  deep  concern  divine  ^neas  view'd 
The  foe  prevailing,  and  his  friends  pursued; 
Through  the  thick  storm  of  singing  spears  he  flies. 
Exploring  Pandarus  with  careful  eyes. 
At  length  lie  found  Lycaon's  mighty  son; 
To  whom  the  chief  of  Venus'  race  begun: 

"Where,  J'aiidarus,  are  all  thy  honors  now, 
Thy  winged  arrows  and  unerring  bow, 
Thy  matchless  skill,  tliy  yet  unrivaU'd  fame, 
And  boasted  glory  of  the  Lycian  name? 
O  pierce  that  mortal  I  if  we  mortal  call 
That  wondrous  force  by  whicii  whole  armies  fall, 


154  THE  ILIAD. 

Or  god  incensed,  who  quits  the  distant  skies 
To  punish  Troy  for  slighted  sacrifice; 
(Which,  oh  avert  from  our  unhappy  state! 
For  wliat  so  dreadful  as  celestial  hate?) 
Whoe'er  he  be,  propitiate  Jove  with  prayer; 
If  man,  destroy;  if  god,  entreat  to  spare." 

To  him  the  Lycian:  "Whom  your  eyes  behold, 
If  right  I  judge,  is  Diomed  the  bold: 
Such  coursers  whirl  him  o'er  the  dusty  field. 
So  towers  his  helmet,  and  so  flames  his  shield. 
If  'tis  a  god,  he  wears  that  chief's  disguise: 
Or  if  that  chief,  some  guardian  of  the  skies, 
Involved  in  clouds,  protects  him  in  the  fray, 
And  turns  unseen  the  frustrate  dart  away. 
I  wiug'd  an  arrow,  which  not  idly  fell. 
The  stroke  had  fix'd  him  to  the  gates  of  hell; 
And,  but  some  god,  some  angry  god  withstands, 
His  fate  was  due  to  these  unerring  hands. 
Skill'd  in  the  bow,  on  foot  I  sought  the  war, 
Nor  join'd  swift  horses  to  the  rapid  car. 
Ten  polish'd  chariots  I  possessed  at  home. 
And  still  they  grace  Lycaon's  princely  dome: 
There  veil'd  in  spacious  coverlets  they  stand; 
And  twice  ten  coursers  wait  their  lord's  command. 
The  good  old  warrior  bade  me  trust  to  these. 
When  first  for  Troy  I  sail'd  the  sacred  seas; 
In  fields,  aloft,  the  whirling  car  to  guide. 
And  through  the  ranks  of  death  triumphant  ride. 
But  vain  with  youth,  and  yet  to  thrift  inclined, 
I  heard  his  counsels  with  nnheedful  mind, 
And  thought  the  steeds  (your  large  supplies  unknown) 
Might  fail  of  forage  in  the  straiten'd  town; 
So  took  my  bow  and  pointed  darts  in  haiid, 
And  left  the  chariots  in  my  native  land. 

"Too  late,  0  friend!  my  rashness  I  deplore: 
These  shafts,  once  fatal,  carry  death  no  more. 
Tydeus'  and  Atreus'  sons  their  points  have  found, 
And  undissembled  gore  pursued  the  wound. 
In  vain  they  bleed:  this  unavailing  bow 
Serves,  not  to  slaughter,  but  provoke  the  foe. 
In  evil  hour  these  bended  horns  I  strung. 
And  seized  the  quiver  where  it  idly  hung. 
Cursed  be  tiie  fate  that  sent  me  to  the  field 
Without  a  warrior's  arms,  the  spear  and  shield ! 


THE  ILIAD.  165 

If  e'er  with  life  I  quit  the  Trojan  plain, 

If  e'er  I  see  my  spouse  and  sire  again. 

This  bow,  unfaithful  to  my  glorious  aims, 

Broke  bv  my  hand,  shall  feed  the  blazing  flames." 

To  whom' the  leader  of  the  Dardan  race: 
"Be  calm,  nor  Phcebus'  honor'd  gift  disgrace. 
The  distant  dart  be  praised,  though  here  we  need 
The  rushing  chariot  and  the  bounding  steed. 
Against  yon  hero  let  us  bend  our  course, 
And,  hand  to  hand,  en(;ounter  force  with  force. 
Now  mount  my  seat,  and  from  the  cliariot's  height 
Observe  my  father's  steeds,  renown'd  in  fight; 
Practised  alike  to  turn,  to  stop,  to  chase. 
To  dare  the  sliock,  or  urge  tlie  rapid  race; 
Secure  with  these,  through  fighting  fields  we  go; 
Or  safe  to  Troy,  if  Jove  assist  the  foe. 
Haste,  seize  the  whip,  and  snatch  the  guiding  rein; 
The  warrior's  fury  let  this  arm  sustain; 
Or,  if  to  combat  thy  bold  heart  incline, 
Take  thou  the  spear,  the  chariot's  care  be  mine." 

"0  princel  (Lycaon's  valiant  son  replied) 
As  thine  the  steeds,  be  thine  the  task  to  guide. 
The  horses,  practised  to  their  lord's  command, 
Sliall  bear  the  rein,  and  answer  to  thy  hand; 
But,  if,  unhappy,  we  desert  the  fight. 
Thy  voice  alone  can  animate  their  flight; 
Else  shall  our  fates  be  numbered  with  the  dead. 
And  these,  the  victor's  prize,  in  triumph  led. 
Thnie  be  the  guidance,  then:  with  spear  and  shield 
Mvself  will  cliarge  this  terror  of  the  field." 

And  now  both  heroes  mount  the  glittering  car; 
The  bounding  coursers  rush  amidst  the  war; 
Their  fierce  approach  bold  Sthenelus  espied. 
Who  thus,  alarm'd,  to  great  Tydides  cried: 

"0  friend!  two  chiefs  of  force;  immense  I  see. 
Dreadful  they  come,  and  bend  their  rage  on  thee: 
Lo  the  brave  heir  of  old  Lycaon's  line, 
And  great  yEneas,  sprung  from  race  divine! 
Enough  is  given  to  fame.     Ascend  thy  car! 
And  save  a  life,  the  bulwark  of  our  war." 

At  this  the  hero  cast  a  gloomy  look, 
Fix'd  on  the  chief  with  scorn;  and  thus  he  spoke: 

"Me  dost  tiiou  bid  to  slum  the  coming  fight? 
Me  wouldst  thou  move  to  base,  inglorious  flight? 


150  THE  ILIAD. 

Know,  'tis  not  honest  in  my  soul  to  fear, 

Nor  was  Tydides  born  to  tremble  here. 

I  hate  the  cumbrous  chariot's  slow  advance. 

And  the  long  distance  of  the  flying  lance; 

But  while  my  nerves  are  strong,  my  force  entire, 

Thus  front  the  foe,  and  emulate  my  sire. 

Nor  shall  yon  steeds,  that  fierce  to  fight  convey 

Those  threatening  heroes,  bear  them  both  away; 

One  chief  at  least  beneath  this  arm  shall  die; 

So  Pallas  tells  me,  and  forbids  to  fly. 

But  if  she  dooms,  and  if  no  god  withstand, 

That  both  shall  fall  by  one  victorious  hand, 

Then  heed  my  words:  my  horses  here  detain, 

Fix'd  to  the  chariot  by  the  straiten'd  rein; 

Swift  to  J^neas'  empty  seat  proceed, 

And  seize  the  coursers  of  ethereal  breed; 

The  race  of  those,  which  once  the  thundering  god* 

For  ravish'd  Ganymede  on  Tros  bestow'd. 

The  best  that  e'er  on  earth's  broad  surface  run, 

Beneath  the  rising  or  the  setting  sun. 

Hence  great  Anchises  stole  a  breed  unknown, 

By  mortal  mares,  from  fierce  Laomedon: 

Four  of  this  race  his  ample  stalls  contain, 

And  two  transport  ^neas  o'er  the  plain. 

These,  were  the  rich  immortal  prize  our  own, 

Through  the  wide  world  should  make  our  glory  known." 

Thus  while  they  spoke,  the  foe  came  furious  on, 
And  stern  Lycaon's  warlike  race  begun : 

"Prince,  thou  art  met.     Though  late  in  vain  assail'd, 
The  spear  may  enter  where  the  arrow  fail'd." 

He  said,  then  shook  the  ponderous  lance,  and  flung; 
On  his  broad  shield  the  sounding  weapon  rung. 
Pierced  the  tough  orb,  and  in  his  cuirass  hung, 
"He  bleeds!  the  pride  of  Greece!  (the  boaster  cries,) 
Our  triumph  now,  the  mighty  warrior  lies!" 
"Mistaken  vaunter!  (Diomed  replied;) 
Thy  dart  has  err'd,  and  now  my  spear  be  tried; 
Ye  'scape  not  both;  one,  headlong  from  his  car, 
With  hostile  blood  shall  glut  the  god  of  war." 

*  The  race  of  those. 

"  A  pair  of  coursers,  born  of  beav'nly  breed, 
Who  from  their  nostrils  breathed  ethereal  fire: 
Whom  Circe  stole  from  her  celestial  sire, 
By  substituting  mares  produced  on  earth, 
Whose  wombs  conceived  a  more  than  mortal  birth." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  vii.  386,  sqq. 


TEE  ILIAD.  157 

He  spoke,  and  rising  burl'd  his  forceful  dart, 
Which,  driven  by  Pallas,  pierced  a  vital  part; 
Full  in  his  face  it  enter'd,  and  betwixt 
The  nose  and  eyeball  the  proud  Lycian  fix'd; 
Crash'd  all  bis  jaws,  and  cleft  the  tongue  within, 
Till  the  bright  point  look'd  out  beneath  the  chin. 
Headlong  he  falls,  his  helmet  knocks  the  ground: 
Earth  groans  beneath  him,  and  his  arms  resound. 
The  starting  coursers  tremble  with  affright; 
The  soul  indignant  seeks  the  realms  of  night. 

To  guard  his  slaughter'd  friend,  ^Eneas  flies, 
His  spear  extending  where  the  carcase  lies; 
Watchful  he  wheels,  protects  it  every  way, 
As  the  grim  lion  stalks  around  his  jirey. 
O'er  the  fall'n  trunk  his  ample  shield  display'd. 
He  hides  the  hero  with  his  mighty  shade, 
And  threats  aloud!  the  Greeks  with  longing  eyes 
Behold  at  distance,  but  forbear  the  jirize. 
Then  fierce  Tydides  stoops;  and  from  the  fields 
Heaved  with  vast  force,  a  rocky  fragment  wields. 
Not  two  strong  men  the  enormous  weight  could  raise, 
Such  men  as  live  in  these  degenerate  days:  * 
He  swung  it  round;  and,  gathering  strength  to  throw, 
Discharged  the  ponderous  ruin  at  the  foe. 
Where  to  the  hip  the  inserted  thigh  unites, 
Full  on  the  bone  the  pointed  marble  lights; 
Through  both  the  tendons  broke  the  rugged  stone, 
And  stripp'd  the  skin,  and  crack'd  the  solid  bone. 
Sunk  on  his  knees,  and  staggering  with  his  pains. 
His  falling  bulk  his  bended  arm  sustains; 
Lost  in  a  dizzv  mist  the  warrior  lies; 
A  sudden  cloud  comes  swimming  o'er  his  eyes. 
There  the  brave  chief,  who  mighty  numbers  sway'd, 
Oppress'd  had  sunk  to  death's  eternal  shade. 
But  heavenly  Venus,  mindful  of  the  love 
She  bore  Aiichises  in  the  Ida^an  grove. 
His  danger  views  with  anguish  and  despair, 
And  guards  her  oil-ipring  with  a  mother's  care. 
About  her  much-loved  son  her  arms  she  throws, 
Her  arms  whose  whiteness  match  the  falling  snows. 
Screen'd  from  the  foe  behind  her  sliining  veil, 
The  swonls  wave  harmless,  and  the  javelins  fail: 

*  Tlifi  belief  in  the  oxisteiicr'  of  incii  of  larger  stature  in  earlier 
times  is  by  no  nieans  confined  to  Homer. 


158  THE  ILIAD. 

Safe  throngh  tlie  rushing  horse,  and  feather'd  flight 
Of  sounding  shafts,  she  bears  him  from  the  fight. 

Nor  Sthenelus,  with  nnassisting  hands, 
Eemain'd  nnheedfiil  of  his  lord's  commands: 
His  panting  steeds,  removed  from  out  the  war, 
He  fix'd  with  straiten'd  traces  to  the  car, 
Next,  rushing  to  the  Dardan  spoil,  detains 
The  heavenly  coursers  with  the  flowing  manes: 
These  in  proud  triumph  to  the  fleet  convey'd. 
No  longer  now  a  Trojan  lord  obey'd. 
That  charge  to  bold  De'ipylus  he  gave 
(Whom  most  he  loved,  as  brave  men  love  the  brave,) 
Then  mounting  on  his  car,  resumed  the  rein. 
And  follow'd  where  Tydides  swept  the  plain. 

Meanwhile  (his  conquest  ravished  from  his  eyes) 
The  raging  chief  in  chase  of  Venus  flies: 
No  goddess  she,  commission'd  to  the  field, 
Like  Pallas  dreadful  with  her  sable  shield. 
Or  fierce  Bellona  thundering  at  the  wall, 
While  flames  ascend,  and  mighty  ruins  fall; 
He  knew  soft  combats  suit  the  tender  dame,   . 
New  to  the  field,  and  still  a  foe  to  fame. 
Through  breaking  ranks  his  furious  course  he  bends, 
And  at  the  goddess  his  broad  lance  extends; 
Through  her  bright  veil  the  daring  weapon  drove, 
The  ambrosial  veil  which  all  the  Graces  wove; 
Her  snowy  hand  the  razing  steel  profaned, 
And  the  transparent  skin  with  crimson  stain'd. 
From  the  clear  vein  a  stream  immortal  flow'd, 
Such  stream  as  issues  from  a  wounded  god;* 
Pure  emanation!  uncorrupted  flood  I 
Unlike  our  gross,  diseased,  terrestrial  blood: 
(For  not  the  bread  of  man  their  life  sustains, 
Nor  wine's  inflaming  juice  supplies  their  veins:) 
With  tender  shrieks  the  goddess  fill'd  the  place. 
And  dropped  her  offspring  from  her  weak  embrace. 
Him  Phoebus  took:  he  casts  a  cloud  around 
The  fainting  chief,  and  wards  the  mortal  wound. 

Then  with  a  voice  that  shook  the  vaulted  skies 
The  king  insults  the  goddess  as  she  flies: 

*  Such  stream,  i.  e.  the  ichor,  or  blood  of  the  gods. 
"  A  stream  of  nect'rous  humor  issuing  tlow'd, 
Sanguine,  such  as  celestial  spirits  may  bleed." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  vi.  332. 


THE  ILIAD.  159 

"111  with  Jove's  daughter  bloody  fights  agree, 

The  field  of  combat  is  no  scene  for  thee: 

Go,  let  thy  own  soft  sex  employ  thy  care. 

Go,  lull  the  coward,  or  delude  the  fair. 

Taught  by  this  stroke  renounce  the  war's  alarms, 

And  learn  to  tremble  at  the  name  of  arms." 

Tydides  thus.     The  goddess,  seized  with  dread, 
Confused,  distracted,  from  the  conflict  fled. 
To  aid  her,  swift  the  winged  Iris  flew, 
Wrapt  in  a  mist  above  the  warring  crew. 
The  queen  of  love  with  faded  charms  she  found. 
Pale  was  her  cheek,  and  livid  look'd  the  wound. 
To  Mars,  who  sat  remote,  they  bent  their  way: 
Far,  on  the  left,  with  clouds  involved  he  lay; 
Beside  him  stood  his  lance,  distain'd  with  gore. 
And,  rein'd  with  gold,  his  foaming  steeds  before. 
Low  at  his  knee,  she  begg'd  with  streaming  eyes 
Her  brother's  car, .to  mount  the  distant  skies, 
And  show'd  the  wound  by  fierce  Tydides  given, 
A  mortal  man,  who  dares  encounter  heaven. 
Stern  Mars  attentive  hears  the  queen  complain, 
And  to  her  hand  commits  the  golden  rein; 
She  mounts  the  seat,  oppress'd  with  silent  woe. 
Driven  by  the  goddess  of  the  painted  bow. 
The  lash  resounds,  the  rapid  chariot  flies, 
And  in  a  moment  scales  the  lofty  skies: 
They  stopp'd  the  car,  and  there  the  coursers  stood. 
Fed  by  fair  Iris  witli  ambrosial  food; 
Before  her  mother,  love's  bright  queen  appears, 
O'erwhelmed  with  anguish,  and  dissolved  in  tears: 
She  raised  her  in  her  arms,  beheld  her  bleed. 
And  ask'd  what  god  had  wrought  this  guilty  deed? 

Then  she:  "This  insult  from  no  god  I  found, 
An  impious  mortal  gave  the  daring  wound! 
Behold  the  deed  of  hauglity  Diomcd ! 
'Twas  in  the  son's  defense  the  mother  bled. 
The  war  with  Troy  no  more  the  Cirecians  wage; 
Jiiit  with  the  gods  (tlie  immortal  gods)  engage." 

Dione  then:  "Thy  wrongs  with  patience  bear. 
And  share  those  griefs  inferior  powers  must  share: 
Unnnmber'd  woes  ma)il<ind  from  us  sustain. 
And  men  with  woes  alflict  the  gods  again. 
The  mighty  Mars  in  mortal  fetters  bound,* 

*  This  was  during  the  wars  with  tao  Titans. 


160  THE  ILIAD. 

And  lodged  in  brazen  dungeons  underground, 
Full  thirteen  moons  iniprison'd  roar'd  in  vain; 
Otus  and  Ephialtes  lield  the  chain: 
Perha^DS  had  perish'd  had  not  Hermes'  care 
Restored  the  groaning  god  to  upper  air. 
Great  Juno's  self  has  borne  her  weight  of  pain, 
The  imperial  partner  of  the  heavenly  reign 
Amphitryon's  son  inhx'd  the  deadly  dart,* 
And  fill'd  with  anguish  her  immortal  heart. 
E'en  hell's  grim  king  Alcides'  power  confess'd, 
The  shaft  found  entrance  in  his  iron  breast; 
To  Jove's  high  palace  for  a  cure  he  fled, 
Pierced  in  his  own  dominions  of  tlie  dead; 
Where  Pason,  sprinkling  heavenly  balm  around, 
Assuaged  the  glowing  pangs,  and  closed  the  wound. 
Eash,  impious  man!  to  stain  the  bless'd  abodes, 
And  drench  his  arrows  in  the  blood  of  gods! 

"But  thou  (though  Pallas  urged  thy  frantic  deed). 
Whose  spear  ill-fated  makes  a  goddess  bleed, 
Know  thou,  whoe'er  with  heavenly  power  contends, 
Short  is  his  date,  and  soon  his  glory  ends; 
From  fields  of  death  when  late  he  shall  retire, 
No  infant  on  his  knees  shall  call  him  sire. 
Strong  as  thou  art,  some  god  may  yet  be  found, 
To   stretch  thee  pale  and  gasping  on  the  ground; 
Thy  distant  wife,  /Egiale  the  fair,f 
Starting  from  sleep  with  a  distracted  air, 
Shall  rouse  thy  slaves,  and  her  lost  lord  deplore. 
The  brave,  the  great,  the  glorious  now  no  more!" 

This  said,  she  wiped  from  Venus'  wounded  palm 
The  sacred  ichor,  and  infused  the  balm. 
Juno  and  Pallas  with  a  smile  survey'd, 
And  thus  to  Jove  began  the  blue-eyed  maid: 

"Permit  thy  daughter,  gracious  Jove!  to  tell 
How  this  mischance  the  Cyprian  queen  befell, 
As  late  she  tried  with  passion  to  inflame 
The  tender  bosom  of  a  Grecian  dame; 
Allured  the  fair,  with  moving  thoughts  of  joy, 
To  quit  her  country  for  some  youth  of  Troy; 

*  Amphitryon's  son,  Hercules,  born  to  Jove  by  Alcmena,  the 
wife  of  Amphitryon. 

f  JEgiale,  daughter  of  Adrastus.  The  Cyclic  poets  (see  Anthon's 
Lempriere,  s.  v.)  assert  that  Veuus  incited  her  to  infidelity,  in 
revengs  for  the  wound  she  had  received  from  her  husbauti. 


THE  ILIAD.  161 

The  clasping  zone,  ^vith  golden  buckles  bonnd, 
Razed  her  soft  hand  with  this  laniented  wound," 

The  sire  of  gods  and  men  superior  smiled, 
And,  calling  Venus,  thus  address'd  his  child: 
*'Not  these,  0  daughter,  are  thy  proper  cares, 
Thee  milder  arts  bedt,  and  softer  wars; 
•Sweet  smiles  are  thine,  and  kind  endearing  charms; 
To  Mars  and  Pallas  leave  the  deeds  of  arms." 

Thus  they  in  heaven:  while  on  tiie  phiin  below 
The  fierce  Tydides  charged  his  Dardan  foe, 
Flush'd  with  celestial  blood  pursued  his  way. 
And  fearless  dared  the  threatening  god  of  day; 
Already  in  his  hopes  he  saw  him  kill'd. 
Though  screen'd  behind  Apollo's  mighty  shield. 
Thrice  rushing  furious,  at  the  chief  he  strook; 
His  blazing  buckler  thrice  Apollo  shook: 
He  tried  the  fourth:  when,  breaking  from  the  cloud, 
A  more  than  mortal  voice  was  heard  aloud. 

"0  son  of  Tydeus,  cease!  be  wise  and  see 
How  vast  the  difference  of  the  gods  and  thee; 
Distance  immense!  between  the  powers  that  shine 
Above,  eternal,  deathless,  and  divine, 
And  mortal  man!  a  wretch  of  humble  birth, 
A  short-lived  reptile  in  the  dust  of  earth." 

So  spoke  the  god  who  darts  celestial  fires: 
He  dreads  his  fury,  and  some  steps  retires. 
Then  Phcebus  bore  the  chief  of  Venus'  race 
To  Troy's  high  fane,  and  to  his  lioly  place; 
Latona  there  and  Pha-be  heal'd  the  wound, 
With  vigor  arm'd  him,  and  with  glory  crown'd. 
This  done,  the  patron  of  the  silver  bow 
A  phantom  raised,  the  same  in  shape  and  show 
With  great  ^Eneas;  such  the  form  he  bore, 
And  such  in  fight  the  radiant  arms  he  wore. 
Around  the  specter  bloody  wars  are  waged. 
And  (Jreece  and  Troy  with  dashing  shields  engaged. 
Meantime  on  Ilion's  tower  Apollo  stood, 
And  calling  Mars,  tlius  urged  the  raging  god: 

'*8tern  power  of  arms,  by  whom  the  mighty  fall; 
Who  bathost  in  blood,  and  shakest  the  emiiattled  wall, 
Kise  in  thy  wrath!  to  hell's  abhorr'd  abodes 
Despatch  yon  fJreek,  and  vindicate  the  gods. 
First  rosy  \'enus  f(!lt  ])is  brutal  rage; 
^le  next  lie  charged,  and  dares  all  heaven  engage: 


162  THE  ILIAD. 

The  Avretch  wonld  brave  high  heaven's  immortal  sire, 
His  triple  thunder,  and  his  bolts  of  fire." 

The  god  of  battle  issues  on  the  plain, 
Stirs  all  the  ranks,  and  fires  the  Trojan  train: 
In  form  like  Acamas,  the  Thracian  guide, 
Enraged  to  Troy's  retiring  chiefs  he  cried : 

"How  long,  ye  sons  of  Priam!  will  ye  fly, 
And  unrevenged  see  Priam's  people  die? 
Still  unresisted  shall  the  foe  destroy. 
And  stretch  the  slaughter  to  the  gates  of  Troy? 
Lo,  brave  Jjlneas  sinks  beneath  his  wound, 
Not  godlike  Hector  more  in  arms  renown'd: 
Haste  all,  and  take  the  generous  warrior's  part." 
He  said ; — new  courage  swell'd  each  hero's  heart. 
Sarpedou  first  his  ardent  soul  express'd, 
And,  turn'd  to  Hector,  these  bold  words  address'd: 

"Say,  chief,  is  all  thy  ancient  valor  lost? 
Where  are  thy  threats,  and  where  thy  glorious  boast, 
That  propp'd  alone  by  Priam's  race  should  stand 
Troy's  sacred  walls,  nor  need  a  foreign  hand? 
Now,  now  thy  country  calls  her  wonted  friends, 
And  the  proud  vaunt  in  just  derision  ends. 
Eemote  they  stand  while  alien  troops  engage, 
Like  trembling  hounds  before  the  lion's  rage. 
Far  distant  hence  I  held  my  wide  command. 
Where  foaming  Xanthus  laves  the  Lycian  land; 
With  ample  wealth  (the  wish  of  mortals)  bless'd, 
A  beauteous  wife,  and  infant  at  her  breast; 
With  those  I  left  whatever  dear  could  be: 
Greece,  if  she  conquers,  nothing  wins  from  me; 
Yet  first  in  fight  my  Lycian  bands  I  cheer. 
And  long  to  meet  this  mighty  man  ye  fear; 
While  Hector  idle  stands,  nor  bids  the  brave 
Their  wives,  their  infants,  and  their  altars  save. 
Haste,  warrior,  haste!  preserve  thy  threaten'd  state, 
Or  one  vast  burst  of  all-involving  fate 
Full  o'er  your  towers  shall  fall,  and  sweep  away 
Sons,  sires,  and  wives,  an  undistinguish'd  prey. 
Eouse  all  thy  Trojans,  urge  thy  aids  to  fight; 
These  claim  thy  thoughts  by  day,  thy  watch  by  night; 
With  force  incessant  the  brave  Greeks  oppose; 
Such  cares  thy  friends  deserve,  and  such  thy  foes." 

Stung  to  the  heart  the  generous  Hector  hears. 
But  just  reproof  with  decent  silence  bears. 


THE  ILTAT).  163 

From  his  pioud  car  the  prince  impetuous  springs, 
On  earth  lie  leaps,  his  brazen  armor  rings. 
Two  shining  spears  are  brandish'd  in  his  hands; 
Thus  arm'd,  he  animates  his  drooping  bands. 
Revives  their  ardor,  turns  their  steps  from  flight, 
And  wakes  anew  the  dying  flames  of  fight. 
They  turn,  they  stand;  the  Greeks  their  fury  dare, 
Condense  their  powers,  and  wait  the  growing  war. 

As  when,  oa  Ceres'  sacred  floor,  the  swain 
Spreads  the  wide  fan  to  clear  the  golden  grain, 
And  the  light  chaff,  before  the  breezes  borne. 
Ascends  in  clouds  from  off  the  heapy  corn; 
The  gray  dust,  rising  with  collected  winds. 
Drives  o'er  the  barn,  and  whitens  all  the  hinds: 
So  white  with  dust  the  Grecian  host  appears. 
From  trampling  steeds,  and  thundering  charioteers; 
The  dusky  clouds  from  labor'd  earth  arise, 
And  roll  in  smoking  volumes  to  the  skies. 
Mars  hovers  o'er  them  with  his  sable  shield, 
And  adds  new  horrors  to  the  darken'd  field: 
Pleased  with  his  charge,  and  ardent  to  fulfill, 
In  Troy's  defense,  Apollo's  heavenly  will: 
Soon  as  from  fight  the  blue-eyed  maid  retires. 
Each  Trojan  bosom  with  new  warmth  he  fires. 
And  now  the  god,  from  forth  his  sacred  fane, 
Produced  ^Eneas  to  the  shouting  train; 
Alive,  unharm'd,  with  all  his  peers  around, 
Erect  he  stood,  and  vigorous  from  his  wound: 
Inquiries  none  they  made;  the  dreadful  day 
No  pause  of  words  admits,  no  dull  delay; 
Fierce  Discord  storms,  Apollo  loud  exclaims. 
Fame  calls,  ]Mars  thunders,  and  the  field's  in  flames. 

Stern  Diomed  with  either  Ajax  stood. 
And  great  Ulysses,  bathed  in  hostile  blood. 
Embodied  close,  the  laboring  Grecian  train 
'J'ho  fiercest  shock  of  charging  hosts  sustain. 
Unmoved  and  silent,  the  whole  war  they  wait, 
Serenely  drea<lful,  an<l  as  fix'd  as  fate. 
So  when  the  embattled  clouds  in  dark  array. 
Along  tiie  skies  tlieir  gloomy  lines  display; 
When  now  the  North  his  boisterous  rage  has  spent, 
And  peaceful  sleeps  the  liquid  olemont: 
The  low-hung  vapors,  motionless  and  still, 
Rest  on  the  summits  of  the  shadcl  hill; 


164  THE  ILIAD. 

Till  the  mass  scatter^;  as  the  winds  arise, 
Dispersed  and  broken  through  the  ruffled  skies. 

Xor  was  the  general  wanting  to  his  train; 
From  troop  to  troop  he  toils  through  all  the  plain, 
"Ye  Greeks,  be  men  I  the  charge  of  battle  bear; 
Your  brave  associates  and  yourselves  revere  I 
Let  glorious  acts  more  glorious  acts  inspire. 
And  catch  from  breast  to  breast  the  noble  fire! 
On  valor's  side  the  odds  of  combat  lie, 
The  brave  live  glorious,  or  lamented  die; 
The  wretch  who  trembles  in  the  field  of  fame. 
Meets  death,  and  worse  than  death,  eternal  shame!" 

These  words  he  seconds  with  his  flying  lanoe. 
To  meet  whose  point  was  strong  Deicoon's  chance: 
Eneas'  friend,  and  in  his  native  place 
Houor'd  and  loved  lie  Priam's  royal  race: 
Long  had  he  fought  the  foremost  in  the  field, 
But  now  the  monarch's  lance  transpierced  his  shield 
His  shield  too  weak  the  furious  dart  to  stay, 
Through  his  broad  belt  the  weapon  forced  its  way: 
The  grisly  wound  dismiss'd  his  soul  to  hell. 
His  arms  around  him  rattled  as  he  fell. 

Then  fierce  ^Eneas,  brandishing  his  blade. 
In  dust  Orsilochus  and  Crethon  laid. 
Whose  sire  Diocleus,  wealthy,  brave  and  great. 
In  well-built  Phera?  held  his  lofty  seat:* 
Sprung  from  Alpheiis'  plenteous  stream,  that  yields 
Increase  of  harvests  to  the  Pylian  fields. 
He  got  Orsilochus,  Diocleus  he, 
And  these  descended  in  the  third  degree. 
Too  early  expert  in  the  martial  toil. 
In  sable  ships  they  left  their  native  soil. 
To  avenge  Atrides:  now,  untimely  slain. 
They  fell  with  glory  on  the  Phrygian  plain. 
So  two  young  mountain  lions,  nursed  with  blood 
In  deep  recesses  of  the  gloomy  wood, 
Eush  fearless  to  the  plains,  and  uncontroll'd 
Depopulate  the  stalls  and  waste  the  fold: 
Till  pierced  at  distance  from  their  native  den, 
O'erpowered  they  fall  beneath  the  force  of  men. 
Prostrate  on  earth  their  beauteous  bodies  lay, 
Like  mountain  firs,  as  tall  and  straight  as  they. 
Great  Menelaiis  views  with  pitying  eyes. 
Lifts  his  bright  lance,  and  at  the  victor  flies; 


*  Phera,  a  town  of  Pelasgiotis,  in  Tliessalv. 


THE  ILIAD.  165 

Mia-s  urged  him  on;  yet,  ruthless  in  his  hate, 

The  god  but  urged  him  to  provoke  his  fate. 

He  thus  advancing,  Kestor's  valiant  son 

Shakes  for  his  danger,  and  neglects  his  own; 

Struck  with  the  thought,  should  Helen's  lord  be  slain, 

And  all  his  country's  glorious  labors  vain. 

Already  met,  the  threatening  heroes  stand; 

The  spears  already  tremble  in  their  hand: 

In  rush'd  Antilochus,  his  aid  to  bring. 

And  fall  or  conquer  by  the  Spartan  king. 

These  seen,  the  Dardan  backward  turn'd  his  course, 

Brave  as  he  was,  and  shunn'd  unequal  force. 

The  breathless  bodies  to  the  Greeks  they  drew, 

Then  mix  in  combat,  and  their  toils  renew. 

First,  Pylfemenes,  great  in  battle,  bled, 
Who  sheathed  in  brass  the  Paphlagouians  led. 
Atrides  mark'd  him  where  sublime  he  stood; 
Fix'd  in  his  throat  the  Javelin  drank  his  blood. 
The  faithful  Mydon,  as  he  turn'd  from  fight 
His  flying  coursers,  sunk  to  endless  night; 
A  broken  rock  by  Nestor's  son  was  thrown : 
His  bended  arm  received  the  falling  stone; 
From  his  numb'd  hand  the  ivory-studded  reins, 
Dropp'd  in  the  dust,  are  trail'd  along  the  plains: 
Meanwhile  his  temples  feel  a  deadly  wound; 
He  groans  in  death,  and  ponderous  sinks  to  ground: 
Deep  drove  his  helmet  in  the  sands,  and  there 
The  head  stood  fix'd,  the  quivering  legs  in  air. 
Till  trampled  flat  beneath  the  coursers'  feet: 
The  youthful  victor  mounts  his  empty  seat, 
And  bears  the  prize  in  triumph  to  the  fleet. 
Great  Hector  saw,  and  raging  at  the  view, 
Pours  on  the  Greeks:  the  Trojan  troops  pursue: 
He  fires  his  host  with  animating  cries. 
And  bring  along  the  furies  of  the  skies. 
Mars,  stern  destroyerl  and  Beilona  dread. 
Flame  in  the  front,  and  thunder  at  their  head: 
This  swells  the  tumult  and  the  rage  of  fight; 
That  shakes  a  spear  that  casts  a  drojidful  light. 
Where  Hector  niarch'd,  the  god  of  battles  shined, 
Now  storm'd  before  him,  and  now  raged  behind. 

Tydides  ])au8cd  ainidst  his  full  career: 
Then  first  the  hero's  manly  breast  knew  fear. 
As  when  some  simple  swain  his  cot  forsakes. 
And  wide  through  fens  an  unknown  journey  takes. 


1G6  THE  ILIAD. 

If  chance  a  swelling  brook  his  j^assage  stay, 
And  foam  inipervions  'cross  the  wanderer's  way, 
Confused  he  stops,  a  length  of  country  pass'd, 
Eyes  the  rough  waves,  and  tired,  returns  at  last. 
Amazed  no  less  the  great  Tydides  stands: 
He  stay'd,  and  turning  thus  address'd  his  bands: 

"No  wonder,  Greeks!  that  all  to  Hector  yield; 
Secure  of  favoring  gods,  he  takes  the  field; 
His  strokes  they  second,  and  avert  our  spears: 
Behold  where  Mars  in  mortal  arms  appears! 
Eetire  then,  warriors,  but  sedate  and  slow; 
Eetire,  but  with  your  faces  to  the  foe. 
Trust  not  too  much  your  unavailing  might; 
'Tis  not  with  Troy,  but  with  the  gods  ye  fight." 

Now  near  the  Greeks  the  black  battiilions  drew; 
And  first  two  leaders  valiant  Hector  slew: 
His  force  Anchialus  and  Mnesthes  found, 
In  every  art  of  glorious  war  renown'd; 
In  the  same  car  the  chiefs  to  combat  ride, 
And  fought  united,  and  united  died. 
Struck  at  the  sight,  the  mighty  Ajax  glows 
With  thirst  of  vengeance,  and  assaults  the  foes. 
His  massy  spear  with  matchless  fury  sent. 
Through  Amphius'  belt  and  heaving  belly  went; 
Amphius  Apagsus'  happy  soil  possess'd. 
With  herds  abounding,  and  with  treasure  bless'd; 
But  fate  resistless  from  his  country  led 
The  chief,  to  perish  at  his  people's  head. 
Shook  with  his  fall  his  brazen  armor  rung. 
And  fierce,  to  seize  it,  conquering  Ajax  sprung; 
Around  his  head  an  iron  tempest  rain'd; 
A  wood  of  spears  his  ample  shield  sustain'd: 
Beneath  one  foot  the  yet  warm  corpse  he  press'd, 
And  drew  his  javelin  from  the  bleeding  breast: 
He  could  no  more;  the  showering  darts  denied 
To  spoil  his  glittering  arms,  and  plumy  pride. 
Now  foes  on  foes  came  pouring  on  the  fields, 
AVith  bristling  lances,  and  compacted  shields; 
Till  in  the  steely  circle  straiten'd  round. 
Forced  he  gives  way,  and  sternly  quits  the  ground. 

While  thus  they  strive,  TIepolemus  the  great,* 


*  Tlepolemus,  son  of  Hercules  and  Astyocliia.  Having  left  Lis 
native  country,  Argos,  in  consequence  of  the  accidental  murder  of 
Liscymnius,  La  was  commanded  by  an  oracle  to  retire  to  Rhodes.. 


THE  ILIAD.  167 

Urged  by  the  force  of  unresisted  fate, 

Burns  with  desire  Sarpedon's  strength  to  prove; 

Alcides'  offspring  meets  the  son  of  Jove. 

Sheathed  in  bright  arms  each  adverse  chief  came  on. 

Jove's  great  descendant,  and  his  greater  son. 

Prepared  for  combat,  ere  the  lance  he  toss'd, 

The  daring  JShodian  vents  his  haughty  boast: 

"What  brings  this  Lycian  counsellor  so  far, 
To  tremble  at  our  arms,  not  mix  in  war! 
Know  thy  vain  self,  nor  let  their  flattery  move, 
Who  style  thee  son  of  cloud-compelling  Jove. 
How  far  unlike  those  chiefs  of  race  divine. 
How  vast  the  difference  of  their  deeds  and  thine! 
Jove  got  such  heroes  as  my  sire,  whose  soul 
No  fear  could  daunt,  nor  earth  nor  hell  control. 
Troy  felt  his  arm,  and  yon  proud  ramparts  stand 
Raised  on  the  ruins  of  his  vengeful  hand: 
With  six  small  ships,  and  but  a  slender  train, 
He  left  a  town  a  wide-deserted  plain. 
But  what  art  tliou,  who  deedloss  look'st  around, 
While  unrevenged  thy  Lycians  bite  the  ground! 
Small  aid  to  Troy  thy  feeble  force  can  be; 
But  wert  thou  greater,  thou  must  yield  to  me. 
Pierced  by  my  spear,  to  endless  darkness  go! 
I  make  this  present  to  the  shades  below." 

The  son  of  Hercules,  and  Rhodian  guide. 
Thus  haughty  spoke.     The  Lycian  king  replied: 

"Thy  sire,  0  prince!  o'erturned  the  Trojan  state. 
Whose  perjured  monarch  well  deserved  his  fate; 
Tnose  heavenly  steeds  the  hero  sought  so  far, 
F'alse  he  detain'd,  the  Just  reward  of  war. 
Nor  so  content,  the  generous  chief  defied. 
With  base  reproaches  and  unmanly  pride, 
liut  yon,  unworthy  the  high  race  yon  boast. 
Shall  raise  my  glory  when  thy  own  is  lost: 
Now  meet  thy  fate,  and  by  Surpedon  slain. 
Add  one  more  ghost  to  Pinto's  gloomy  i-eign." 

He  said:  both  javelins  at  an  instant  Hew; 
Jjoth  strnck,  both  wounded,  but  Sarpedon's  slow: 
Full  in  the  boaster's  neck  the  weapon  stood, 
Transtix'd  his  throat,  and  drank  the  vital  blood; 


Here  lio  was  clioscii  kiiiK.  ''i"<l  "C'luniuuiii-d  tlit!  'I'rojaii  expe- 
dition. .\ft<;r  his  (ji'dtli,  ccrliiin  ^fniiics  wcri-  iiiMt,itnt('(l  at,  Klindcs 
in  Ilia  honor,  the  vihiturs  being  rowarded  with  crowns  of  poplar. 


168  THE  ILIAD. 

The  soul  disdainful  seeks  the  caves  of  night, 
And  his  seal'd  eyes  forever  lose  the  light. 

Yet  not  in  vain,  Tlepolemus,  was  thrown 
Thy  angry  lance;  which  piercing  to  the  bone 
Sarpedon'a  thigh,  had  robb'd  the  chief  of  breath; 
But  Jove  was  present,  and  forbade  the  death. 
Borne  from  the  conflict  by  his  Lycian  throng, 
The  wounded  hero  dragg'd  the  lance  along, 
(His  friends,  each  busied  in  his  several  part, 
Through  haste,  or  danger,  had  not  drawn  the  dart.) 
The  Greeks  with  slain  Tlepolemus  retired; 
Whose  fall  Ulysses  view'd,  with  fury  fired; 
Doubtful  if  Jove's  great  son  he  should  pursue, 
Or  pour  his  vengeance  on  the  Lycian  crew. 
But  heaven  and  fate  the  first  design  withstand, 
Nor  this  great  death  must  grace  Ulysses'  hand 
Minerva  drives  him  on  the  Lycian  train; 
Alastor,  Cronius,  Halius,  strew'd  the  plain, 
Alcander,  Prytanis,  Noemon  fell:* 
And  numbers  more  his  sword  had  sent  to  hell, 
But  Hector  saw;  and,  furious  at  the  sight, 
Eush'd  terrible  amidst  the  ranks  of  fight. 
With  joy  Sarpedon  view'd  the  wish'd  relief, 
And,  faint,  lamenting,  thus  implored  the  chief: 

"0  suffer  not  the  foe  to  bear  away 
My  helpless  corpse,  an  unassisted  prey; 
If  I,  unbless'd,  mnst  see  my  son  no  more, 
My  much-loved  consort,  and  my  native  shore, 
Yet  let  me  die  in  Uion's  sacred  wall; 
Troy,  in  whose  cause  I  fell,  shall  mourn  my  fall.'^ 

He  said,  nor  Hector  to  the  chief  replies, 
But  shakes  his  plume,  and  fierce  to  combat  flies; 
Swift  as  a  whirlwind,  drives  the  scattering  foes; 
And  dyes  the  ground  with  purple  as  he  goes. 

Beneath  a  beech,  Jove's  consecrated  shade, 
His  mournful  friends,  divine  Sarpedon  laid: 
Brave  Pelagon,  his  favorite  chief,  was  nigh. 
Who  wrench'd  the  javelin  from  his  sinewy  thigh. 
The  fainting  soul  stood  ready  wing'd  for  flight. 
And  o'er  his  eyeballs  swam  the  shades  of  night; 
But  Boreas  rising  fresh,  with  gentle  breath 
Recall'd  his  spirit  from  the  gates  of  death., 

*  These  heroes'  names  have  since  passed  into  a  kind  of  proverb, 
designating  the  oi  polloi  or  mob. 


THE  ILIAD  169 

The  generous  Greeks  recede  with  tardy  pace, 
Though  Mars  and  Hector  thunder  in  their  face; 
None  turn  their  backs  to  mean  ignoble  flight 
Slow  they  retreat,  and  even  retreating  fight. 
Who  first,  who  last,  by  Mars'  and  Hector's  hand, 
Stretch'd  in  their  blood,  lay  gasping  on  the  sand? 
Tenthras  the  great,  Orestes  the  renown'd 
For  managed  steeds,  and  Trechus  press'd  the  ground', 
Net  ffinomaiis  and  CEnops'  offspring  died; 
Oresbius  last  fell  groaning  at  their  side: 
Oresbius,  in  his  painted  mitre  gay. 
In  fat  Boeotia  held  his  wealthy  sway. 
Where  lakes  surround  low  Hyle's  watery  plain-, 
A  prince  and  people  studious  of  their  gain. 

The  carnage  Juno  from  the  skies  survey'd, 
And  touch'd  with  grief  bespoke  the  blue-eyed  maid: 
"Oh,  sight  accursed!     Shall  faithless  Troy  prevail. 
And  shall  our  promise  to  our  peoj^le  fail? 
How  vain  the  word  to  Menelaiis  given 
By  Jove's  great  daughter  and  the  queen  of  heaven. 
Beneath  his  arms  tliat  Priam's  towers  should  fall, 
If  warring  gods  forever  guard  the  wall! 
Mars,  red  with  slaughter,  aids  our  hated  foes: 
Haste,  let  ns  arm,  and  force  with  force  oppose!" 

She  spoke;  Minerva  burns  to  meet  the  war: 
And  now  heaven's  empress  calls  her  blazing  car. 
At  her  command  rush  forth  the  steeds  divine; 
Iiich  with  immortal  gold  their  trappings  shine. 
Bright  Ilobe  waits;  by  Hebe,  ever  young. 
The  whirling  wheels  are  to  the  chariot  hung, 
On  the  ijright  axle  turiis  the  bidden  wheel 
Of  sounding  brass;  the  polish 'd  axle  steel. 
Eight  brazen  spokes  in  radiant  order  flame; 
The  circles  gold,  of  uncorrupted  frame. 
Such  as  the  heavens  produce:  and  round  the  gold 
Two  brazen  rings  of  work  divine  were  roU'd. 
The  bossy  naves  of  solid  silvei  shone; 
Braces  of  gold  suspend  the  moving  throne: 
The  car,  behind,  an  arching  figure  bore; 
The  bending  concave  form'd  an  arcli  before. 
Silver  the  beam,  the  extended  yoke  was  gold, 
And  golden  reins  the  immortal  coursers  hold. 
Herself,  impatient,  to  the  ready  car, 
The  coursers,  joins,  and  breathes  revenge  and  war. 


170  THE  ILIAD. 

Pallas  disrobes;  her  radiant  veil  nntied, 
With  flowers  adorn'd,  with  art  diversified 
(The  labor'd  veil  her  heavenly  fingers  wove), 
Flows  on  the  pavement  of  the  court  of  Jove. 
Now  heaven's  dread  arms  her  mighty  limbs  invest, 
Jove's  cuirass  blazes  on  her  ample  breast: 
Deck'd  in  sad  triumph  for  the  mournful  field, 
O'er  her  broad  shouklers  hangs  his  horrid  shield. 
Dire,  black,  tremendous!     Bound  the  margin  roll'd, 
A  fringe  of  serpents  hissing  guards  the  gold: 
Here  all  the  terrors  of  grim  War  appear, 
Here  rages  Force,  here  tremble  Flight  and  Fear, 
Here  storra'd  Contention,  and  here  Furey  frowu'd. 
And  the  dire  orb  portentous  Gorgon  crown'd. 
The  massy  golden  helm  she  next  assumes. 
That  dreadful  nods  with  four  o'ershading  plumes 
So  vast,  the  broad  circumference  contains 
A  hundred  armies  on  a  hundred  plains. 
The  goddess  thus  the  imperial  car  ascends; 
Shook  by  her  arm  the  mighty  javelin  bends, 
Ponderous  and  huge;  that  when  her  fury  burns, 
Proud  tyrants  humbles,  and  whole  hosts  o'erturns. 

Swift  at  the  scourge  the  ethereal  coursers  fly. 
While  the  smooth  chariot  cuts  the  liquid  sky. 
Heaven's  gates  spontaneous  open  to  the  powers,* 
Heaven's  golden  gates,  kept  by  the  winged  Hours;  f 
Commission'd  in  alternate  watch  they  stand. 
The  sun's  bright  portals  and  the  skies  command, 
Involved  in  clouds  the  eternal  gates  of  day, 
Or  the  dark  barrier  roll  with  ease  away. 
The  sounding  hinges  ring:  on  either  side 
The  gloomy  volumes,  pierced  with  light,  divide. 
The  chariot  mounts,  where  deep  in  ambient  skies. 
Confused,  Olympus'  hundred  heads  arise; 

*  Spontaneous  open. 

"  Veil'd  with  his  gorgeous  wings,  upspringing  light 
Flew  through  the  midst  of  heaven ;  th'  angelic  quires, 
On  each  hand  parting  to  his  speed  gave  way 
Through  all  th'  empyreal  road;  till  at  the  gate 
Of  heaven  arrived,  the  gate  self-open'd  wide, 
On  golden  hinges  turning." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  v.  250. 
t  '•  Till  Morn, 
Waked  by  the  circling  Hours,  with  rosy  hand 
Unbarr'd  the  gates  of  light  " 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  vi.  3. 


THE  ILIAD.  171 

Where  far  apart  the  Thuuderer  fills  his  throne, 
O'er  all  the  gods  superior  and  alone. 
There  with  her  snowy  hand  the  queen  restrains 
The  fiery  steeds,  and  thus  to  Jove  complains: 

"0  sire!  can  no  resentment  touch  thy  soul? 
Can  Mars  rebel,  and  does  no  thunder  roll? 
"What  lawless  rage  on  yon  forbidden  plain, 
What  rash  destruction!  and  what  heroes  slain! 
Venus,  and  Phoebus  with  the  dreadful  bow. 
Smile  on  the  slaughter,  and  enjoy  my  woe. 
Mad,  furious  power!  whose  unrelenting  mind 
No  god  can  govern,  and  no  justice  bind. 
Say,  mighty  father!  shall  we  scourge  this  pride, 
And  drive  from  fight  the  impetuous  homicide?'* 

To  whom  assenting,  thus  the  Thunderer  said: 
"Go!  and  the  great  Minerva  be  thy  aid. 
To  tame  the  monster-god  Minerva  knows, 
And  oft  afflicts  his  brutal  breast  with  woes." 

He  said;  Saturnia,  ardent  to  obey, 
Lash'd  her  wliite  steeds  along  the  aerial  way. 
Swift  down  the  steep  of  heaven  the  chariot  rolls 
Between  the  expanded  earth  and  starry  poles. 
Far  as  a  shepherd  from  some  point  on  high* 
Oe'r  the  wide  main  extends  his  boundless  eye; 
Through  such  a  space  of  air  with  thundering  sound, 
At  every  leap  the  immortal  coursers  bound: 
Troy  now  theyreach'd  and  touch'd  those  banks  divine, 
Where  silver  Simois  and  Scarnander  join. 
There  Juno  stopp'd  and  (licr  fair  steeds  unloosed) 
Of  air  condensed  a  vapor  circumfused: 
For  these,  impregnate  with  celestial  dew 
On  Simois  brink  ambrosial  herbage  grew, 
Thence  to  relieve  the  fainting  Argive  throng 
Smooth  as  the  sailing  doves  they  glide  along. 

The  best  and  bravest  of  the  Grecian  band 
(A  warlike  circle)  round  Tydides  stand. 
Such  was  their  look  as  lions  bathed  in  blood. 
Or  foaming  boars,  the  terror  of  the  wood. 

*  Far  as  a  Hhephe.rd.  "  With  what  inajosty  and  pomp  does 
Homer  exalt  liis  (icitics  !  He  here  measures  the  h-ap  of  the 
horses  by  tlie  extent  of  tlie  worhl.  And  wlio  is  there,  tiiat,  con- 
sidering tlie  exceedinff  >;reatnes3  of  the  s^pace,  would  not  with 
reason  cry  out,  tliat  '  If  the  steeds  of  tlie  deity  were  to  take  a 
second  leap,  the  world  would  want  room  for  it  V  " — Longiuus,  t^  b. 


172  THE  ILIAD. 

Heaven's  empress  mingles  with  the  mortal  crowd 
And  shouts,  in  Stentor's  sounding  voice  aloud; 
Stentor  the  strong,  endued  with  brazen  lungs,* 
Whose  throats  surpass'd  the  force  of  fifty  tongues. 

"Inglorious  ArgivesI  to  your  race  a  shame, 
And  only  men  in  figure  and  in  name! 
Once  from  the  walls  your  timorous  foes  engaged, 
While  fierce  in  war  divine  Achilles  raged; 
Now  issuing  fearless  they  possess  the  plain. 
Now  win  the  shores,  and  scarce  the  seas  remain." 

Her  speech  new  fury  to  their  hearts  convey 'd; 
While  near  Tydides  stood  the  Athenian  maid; 
The  king  beside  his  panting  steeds  she  found, 
O'erspent  with  toil  reposing  on  the  ground; 
To  cool  his  glowing  wound  he  sat  apart 
(The  wood  inflicted  by  the  Lycian  dart), 
Largo  drops  of  sweat  from  all  his  limbs  descend. 
Beneath  his  ponderous  shield  his  sinews  bend^ 
Whose  ample  belt,  that  o'er  his  shoulder  lay, 
He  eased;  and  wash'd  the  clotted  gore  away. 
The  goddess  leaning  o'er  the  bending  yoke, 
Beside  his  coursers,  thus  her  silence  broke: 

"Degenerate  prince!  and  not  of  Tydeus'  kind. 
Whose  little  body  lodged  a  mighty  mind; 
Foremost  he  press'd  in  glorious  toils  to  share, 
And  scarce  refrain'd  when  I  forbade  the  war. 
Alone,  unguarded,  once  he  dared  to  go. 
And  feast,  incircled  by  the  Theban  foe; 
There  braved,  and  vanquish'd,  many  a  hardy  knight; 
Such  nerves  I  gave  hina,  and  such  force  in  fight. 
Thou  too  no  less  hast  been  my  constant  care; 
Thy  hands  I  arm'd,  and  sent  thee  forth  to  war: 
But  thee  or  fear  deters,  or  sloth  detains; 
No  drop  of  all  thy  father  warms  thy  veins." 

The  chief  thus  answered  mild:  "Immortal  maid! 
I  own  thy  presence,  and  confess  thy  aid. 

*  "  No  trumpets,  or  any  other  instruments  of  sound,  are  used 
in  the  Homeric  action  itself;  but  the  trumpet  was  Icnown,  and  is 
introduced  for  the  purpose  of  illustration  as  employed  in  war. 
Hence  arose  the  value  of  a  loud  voice  in  a  couimander;  Stentor 

was  an  indispensablt  officer In  the  early  Saracen 

campaigns  frequent  mention  is  n:ade  of  the  service  rendered  by 
men  of  uncommonly  strong  voices;  the  battle  of  Honain  was 
restored  by  the  shouts  and  menaces  of  Abbas,  the  uncle  of 
Mohammed,"  etc. — Coleridge,  p.  213. 


TEE  ILIAD.  173 

Not  fear,  thou  know'st,  withholds  me  from  the  phiins, 
Nor  sloth  hath  seized  me,  but  thy  word  restrains: 
From  warring  gods  thoii  bad'st  me  turn  my  spear, 
And  Venns  only  fonnd  resistance  here. 
Hence,  goddess!  heedful  of  thy  high  commands, 
Loth  I  gave  way,  and  warn'd  our  Argive  bands: 
For  Mars,  the  homicide,  these  eyes  beheld, 
With  slaughter  red,  and  raging  round  the  field." 

Then  thus  Minerva:— "Brave  Tydides,  hear! 
Not  Mars  himself,  nor  aught  immortal,  fear. 
Full  on  the  god  impel  thy  foaming  horse: 
Pallas  commands,  and  Pallas  lends  thee  force. 
Eash,  furious,  blind,  from  these  to  those  he  flies, 
And  every  side  of  wavering  combat  tries; 
Large  promise  makes,  and  breaks  the  promise  made: 
Now  gives  the  Grecians,  now  the  Trojans  aid."  * 

She  said,  and  to  the  steeds  approaching  near. 
Drew  from  his  seat  the  martial  charioteer. 
The  vigorous  power  the  trembling  oar  ascends. 
Fierce  for  revenge;  and  Diomed  attends: 
The  groaning  axle  bent  beneath  the  load; 
So  great  a  hero,  and  so  great  a  god, 
She  snatch'd  the  reins,  slie  lash'd  with  all  her  force. 
And  full  on  Mars  impell'd  the  foaming  horse: 
But  first,  to  hide  her  heavenly  visage,  spread 
Black  Orcus'  heimet  o'er  her  radiant  head. 

Just  then  giganitc  Periphas  lay  slain, 
The  strongest  warrior  of  the  ^Etolian  train; 
The  god,  who  slew  him,  leaves  his  ])rostrate  prize 
Stretch'd  where  lie  fell,  and  at  Tydides  flies. 
Now  rushing  fierce,  in  equal  arms  appear 
The  daring  Greek,  the  dreadful  god  of  war! 
Full  at  the  cliief,  above  his  courser's  head, 
From  Mars'  arm  the  enormous  weapon  fled: 
Pallas  opposed  her  hand,  and  caused  to  glance 
Far  from  the  car  the  strong  immortal  lance. 
Then  threw  the  force  of  Tydeus'  warlike  son; 
The  javelin  hiss'd;  the  goddess  urged  it  on: 
AVliero  the  broad  ciiictui-e  girt  his  armor  round, 
It  pierced  the  god:  his  grcjin  received  tlie  wound. 
From  the  rent  skin  the  warrior  tugs  again 
The  smoking  steel.     Mars  bellows  with  the  pain: 


"  Lonp  liad  tbe  wav'rinff  god  the  war  delay'd, 
While  (ircece  and  Troy  altcrnati-  own'd  liis  aid." 

— MtTiick's  "  Tryiiliiodorns,"  vi.  761,  sci. 


174  THE  ILIAD. 

Loud  as  the  roar  encountering  armies  yield, 

When  shouting  millions  shake  the  thundering  field. 

Both  armies  start,  and  trembling  gaze  around; 

And  earth  and  heaven  re-bellow  to  the  sound. 

As  vapors  blow  by  Auster's  sultry  breath, 

Pregnant  with  plagues,  and  shedding  seeds  of  death. 

Beneath  the  rage  of  burning  Sirius  rise, 

Choke  the  parch'd  earth,  and  blacken  all  the  skies; 

In  such  a  cloud  the  god  from  combat  driven, 

High  o'er  the  dusky  whirlwind  scales  the  heaven. 

Wild  with  his  pain,  he  sought  the  bright  abodes, 

There  sullen  sat  beneath  the  sire  of  gods, 

Show'd  the  celestial  blood,  and  with  a  groan 

Thus  pour'd  his  plaints  before  the  immortal  throne; 

"Can  Jove,  supine,  flagitious  facts  survey. 
And  brook  the  furies  of  this  daring  day? 
For  mortal  men  celestial  powers  engage, 
And  gods  on  gods  exert  eternal  rage: 
From  thee,  0  father!  all  these  ills  we  bear, 
And  thy  fell  daughter  with  the  shield  and  spear: 
Thou  gavest  that  fury  to  the  realms  of  light, 
Pernicious,  wild,  regardless  of  the  right. 
All  heaven  beside  reveres  thy  sovereign  sway. 
Thy  voice  we  hear,  and  thy  behests  obey: 
'Tis  hers  to  offend,  and  even  offending  share 
Thy  breast,  thy  counsels,  thy  distinguish'd  care: 
So  boundless  she,  and  thou  so  partial  grown, 
Well  may  we  deem  the  wondrous  birth  thy  own. 
Now  frantic  Diomed,  at  her  command, 
Against  the  immortals  lifts  his  raging  hand: 
The  heavenly  Venus  first  his  fury  found. 
Me  next  encountering,  me  he  dared  to  wound; 
Vanquish'd  I  fled;  even  I,  the  god  of  fight,  _ 
From  mortal  madness  scarce  was  saved  by  flight. 
Else  hadst  thou  seen  me  sink  on  yonder  plain,_ 
Heap'd  round,  and  heaving  under  loads  of  slain, 
Or  pierced  witli  Grecian  darts,  for  ages  lie, 
Condemn'd  to  pain,  though  fated  not  to  die." 

Him  thus  upbraiding,  with  a  wrathful  look 
The  lord  of  thunders  view'd,  and  stern  bespoke: 
"To  me,  perfidious!  this  lamenting  strain? 
Of  lawless  force  shall  lawless  Mars  complain? 
Of  all  the  gods  who  tread  the  spangled  skies 
Thou  most  unjust,  most  odious  in  our  eyes! 


THE  ILIAD.  175 

Inbnman  discord  is  thy  dire  delight, 

The  waste  of  shiughter,  and  tlie  rage  of  fight. 

No  bounds,  no  hi,\v,  thy  tiery  temper  quells, 

And  all  thy  mother  in  thy  soul  rebels. 

In  vain  our  threats,  in  vain  our  power  we  use; 

She  gives  the  example,  and  her  son  pursues. 

Yet  long  the  inflicted  pangs  thou  shalt  not  mourn, 

Sprung  since  thou  art  from  Jove,  and  heavenly  born. 

Else,   singed  with   lightning,    hadst  thou   hence  been 

thrown. 
Where  chain'd  on  burning  rocks  the  Titians  grown." 

Thus  he  who  shakes  Olympus  with  his  nod; 
Then  gave  to  Papon's  care  the  bleeding  god.* 
With  gentle  hand  the  balm  he  pour'd  around, 
And  heal'd  the  immortal  flesh,  and  closed  the  wound. 
As  when  the  flg's  press'd  juice,  infused  in  cream, 
To  curds  coagulates  the  liquid  stream, 
Sudden  the  fluids  fix  the  parts  combined; 
Such,  and  so  soon,  the  ethereal  texture  join'd. 
Cleansed  from  the  dust  and  gore,  fair  Hebe  dress'd 
His  mighty  limbs  in  an  immortal  vest. 
Glorious  he  sat,  in  majesty  restored. 
Fast  by  the  throne  of  heaven's  superior  lord. 
Juno  and  Pallas  mount  the  bless'd  abodes. 
Their  task  perform'd,  and  mix  among  the  gods. 

*  Pdon  seems  to  have  been  to  the  gods  what  Podaleirius  and 
Machiion  were  to  the  Grecian  heroes. 


176  TEE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  VI. 

AEGUMENT. 

THE   EPISODES   OF   GLAUCUS   AND    DIOMED,    AND   OF 
HECTOR   AND   ANDROMACHE. 

The  gods  having  left  the  field,  the  Grecians  prevail.  Helenas, 
the  chief  auger  of  Troy,  commands  Hector  to  return  to  the 
city,  in  order  to  appomt  a  solemn  procession  of  the  queen  and 
the  Trojan  matrons  to  the  temple  of  Minerva,  to  entreat  her 
to  remove  Diomed  from  the  fight.  The  battle  relating  during 
the  absence  of  Hector,  Glaucus  and  Diomed  have  an  inter- 
view between  the  two  armies;  where,  coming  to  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  friendship  and  hospitality  passed  between  their 
ancestors,  they  make  exchange  of  their  arms.  Hector,  having 
performed  the  orders  of  Helenus;  prevails  upon  Paris  to 
return  to  the  battle,  and,  taking  a  tender  leave  of  his  wife, 
Andromache,  hastens  again  to  the  field. 

The  scene  is  first  in  the  fic^ld  of  battle,  between  the  rivers 
Simois  and  Scamander,  and  then  changes  to  Troy. 

Now  heaven  forsakes  the  fight:  the  immortals  yield 
To  human  force  and  human  skill  the  field: 
Dark  showers  of  javelins  fly  from  foes  to  foes; 
Now  here,  now  there,  the  tide  of  combat  flows; 
While  Troy's  famed  streams,  that  bound  the  deathful 

plain 
On  either  side,  run  purple  to  the  main. 

Great  Ajax  first  to  conquest  led  the  way, 
Broke  the  thick  ranks,  and  turn'd  the  doubtful  day. 
The  Thracian  Acamas  his  falchion  found. 
And  hew'd  the  enormous  giant  to  the  ground; 
His  thundering  arm  a  deadly  stroke  impressed 
Where  the  black  horsehair  nodded  o'er  his  crest; 
Fix'd  in  his  front  the  brazen  weapon  lies, 
And  seals  in  endless  shades  his  swimming  eyes. 
Next  Tenthras'  son  distain'd  the  sands  with  blood, 
Axylus,  hospitable,  rich,  and  good: 
In  fair  Arisbe's  walls  (his  native  place)* 

*  Arisbe,  a  colony  of  the  Mitylenaans  in  Troas. 


THE  ILIAD.  177 

He  held  his  seat!  a  friend  to  human  race. 
Fast  by  the  road,  his  ever-open  door 
Obliged  the  wealthy,  and  relieved  the  poor. 
To  sterns  Tydides  now  he  falls  a  prey, 
No  friend  to  guard  him  in  the  dreadful  day! 
Breathless  the  good  man  fell,  and  by  his  side 
His  faithful  servant,  old  Calesius  died. 

By  great  Euryalus  was  Dresus  slain, 
And  next  he  laid  Opheltius  on  the  plain. 
Two  twins  were  near,  bold,  beautiful,  and  young, 
From'a  fair  naiad  and  Bucolion  sprung 
(Laomedon's  white  flocks  Bucolion  fed, 
That  monarch's  first-born  by  a  foreign  bed; 
In  secret  woods  he  was  the  naiad's  grace, 
And  two  fair  infants  crown'd  his  strong  embrace) 
Here  dead  they  lay  in  all  their  youthful  charms; 
The  ruthless  victor  stripp'd  their  shining  arms. 

Astyalus  by  Polypoetes  fell; 
Ulysses'  spear  Pidytes  sent  to  hell; 
By  Teucer's  shaft  brave  Aretaon  bled, 
And  Nestor's  son  laid  stern  Ablerus  dead; 
Great  Agamemnon,  leader  of  the  brave, 
The  mortal  wound  of  rich  Elatus  gnve, 
Who  held  in  Pedasus  his  proud  abode,* 
And  till'd  the  banks  where  silver  Satiuo  flow'd. 
Melanthius  by  Eurypylus  was  slain; 
And  Piiylacus  from  Leitus  files  in  vain. 

Unbloss'd  Adrastus  next  at  mercy  lies 
Beneath  the  Spartan  spear,  a  living  prize. 
Scared  with  the  din  and  tumult  of  the  fight, 
His  headlong  steeds,  precipitate  in  flight, 
Rusli'd  on  a  tamarisk's  strong  trunk,  and  broke 
The  shatter'd  chariot  from  the  crooked  yoke; 
Wide  o'er  the  field,  resistless  as  the  wind. 
For  Troy  they  fly,  and  leave  their  lord  behind. 
Prone  on  his  face  he  sinks  beside  the  wheel: 
Atrides  o'er  liim  shakes  his  vengeful  steel; 
The  fallen  chief  in  sui)pli;uit  posture  press'd 
The  victor's  knees,  and  tlius  his  prayer  addresa'd; 

"0  spare  my  youth,  aiul  for  the  life  I  owe 
Large  gifts  of  price  my  father  sliall  bestow. 
AVhen  fame  shall  tell,  that,  not  in  battle  slain. 
Thy  hollow  ships  his  captive  son  detain: 

*  Pedasus,  a  town  rn^ar  Pylos. 


178  THE  ILIAD. 

Rich  heaps  of  brass  sliall  in  thy  tent  be  told,* 
And  steel  well-temper'd,  and  persuasive  gold." 

He  said:  compassion  touch'd  the  hero's  heart 
He  stood,  suspended  with  the  lifted  dart: 
As  pity  pleaded  for  his  vanquish'd  prize, 
Stern  Agamemnon  swift  to  vengeance  flies, 
And,  furious,  thus:  *'0h,  impotent  of  mindlf 
Shall  these,  shall  these  Atrides'  mercy  find? 
Well  hast  thou  known  proud  Troy's  perfidious  land, 
And  well  her  natives  merit  at  thy  hand! 
Not  one  of  all  the  race,  nor  sex,  nor  age. 
Shall  save  a  Trojan  from  our  boundless  rage. 
Ilion  shall  perish  whole,  and  bury  all; 
Her  babes,  her  infants  at  the  breast,  shall  fall;J 
A  dreadful  lesson  of  exam  pled  fate. 
To  warn  the  nations,  and  to  curb  the  great!" 

The  monarch  spoke;  the  words,  with  warmth  ad- 
dress'd 
To  rigid  justice  steel'd  his  brother's  breast. 
Fierce  from  his  knees  the  hapless  chief  he  thrust; 
The  monarch's  javelin  stretch'd  him  in  the  dust, 
Then  pressing  with  his  foot  his  panting  heart, 
Forth  from  the  slain  he  tugg'd  the  reeking  dart. 
Old  Nestor  saw,  and  roused  the  warrior's  rage; 
"Thus,  heroes!  thus  the  vigorous  combat  wage; 

*  UicJi  heaps  of  brass.  "  The  balls  of  Alkinous  and  Menelaiis 
glitter  witli  gold,  copper,  and  electruuj;  while  large  stocks  of  yet 
unemployed  metal — gold,  copper,  and  iron — are  stored  up  in  the 
treasure-chamber  of  Odysseus  and  other  chiefs.  Coined  money  is 
unknown  in  the  Homeric  age — the  trade  carried  on  being  one  of 
barter.  In  reference  also  to  the  metals,  it  deserves  to  be  remarked 
that  the  Homeric  descriptions  universally  suppose  copper,  and  not 
iron,  to  be  employed  for  arms,  both  offensive  and  defensive.  By 
what  process  the  copper  was  tempered  and  hardened,  so  as  to 
serve  the  purpose  of  the  warrior,  we  do  not  know;  but  the  use  of 
iron  for  these  objects  belongs  to  a  later  age." — Grote,  vol.  ii.  p. 
142. 

f  Oh  impotent,  etc.     "  In  battle,  quarter  seems  never  to  have 
been  given,  except  with  a  view   to  the  ransom  of  the  prisoner. 
Agamemnon  reproaches  Menelaiis  with  unmanly  softness,  when 
he  is  on  the  point  of  sparing  an  alien  enemy,  and  himself  puts  the 
suppliant  to  the  sword." — Thirlwall,  vol.  i.  p.  181. 
:j:  "  The  ruthless  steel,  impatient  of  delay, 
Forbade  the  sire  to  linger  out  the  day: 
It  struck  the  bending  father  to  the  earth, 
And  cropt  the  wailing  infant  at  the  birth. 
Can  innocents  the  rage  of  parties  know. 
And  they  who  ne'er  offended  find  a  foe  ?" 

— Howe's  Lucan,  bk.  ii. 


THE  ILIAD.  179 

No  son  of  Mars  descend,  for  servile  gains, 
To  touch  the  boot}',  while  a  foe  remains. 
Behold  yon  glittering  host,  your  future  spoil! 
First  gain  the  conquest,  then  reward  the  toil." 

And  now  that  Greece  eternal  fame  acquired, 
And  frighted  Troy  within  her  walls,  retired, 
Had  not  sage  Helenus  her  state  redress'd, 
Taught  by  the  gods  that  moved  his  sacred  breast. 
Where  Hector  stood,  with  great  ^-Eneas  join'd, 
The  seer  reveal'd  tlie  counsels  of  his  mind. 

"Ye  generous  chiefs!  on  whom  the  immortals  lay 
The  cares  and  glories  of  this  doubtful  day; 
On  whom  your  aids,  our  country's  hopes  depend; 
Wise  to  consult,  and  active  to  defend! 
Here,  at  our  gates,  your  brave  efforts  unite. 
Turn  back  the  routed,  and  forbid  the  flight, 
Ere  yet  their  wives'  soft  arms  the  cowards  gain, 
The  sport  and  insult  of  the  hostile  train. 
When  your  commands  have  hearten'd  every  band, 
Ourselves,  here  fix'd,  will  make  the  dangerous  stand; 
Press'd  as  we  are,  and  sore  of  former  fight, 
These  straits  demand  our  last  remains  of  might. 
Meanwhile  thou.  Hector,  to  the  town  retire. 
And  teach  our  mother  what  the  gods  require: 
Direct  the  queen  to  lead  the  assembled  train 
Of  Troy's  chief  matrons  to  Minerva's  fane;* 
Unbar  the  sacred  gates,  and  seek  the  power, 
With  olfer'd  vows,  in  Ilion's  topmost  tower. 
The  largest  mantle  her  rich  wardrobes  hold, 
Most  prized  for  art,  and  labor'd  o'er  with  gold, 
Before  the  goddess'  honor'd  knees  be  spread. 
And  twelve  young  heifers  to  her  altars  led: 
If  so  the  power,  atoned  by  fervent  prayer, 
Our  wives,  our  infants,  and  our  city  spare, 
And  far  avert  Tydides'  wasteful  ire, 
Tiiat  mows  whole  troops,  and  makes  all  Troy  retire; 
Not  thus  Achilles  taught  our  hosts  to  dread. 
Sprung  tliough  he  was  from  more  than  mortal  bed; 

*  "  Meantiirm  tlie  Trojan  flames,  oppress'd  with  woe, 
To  Pallas'  fane  in  l')n<^  procession  go, 
In  iiopes  to  reconcile  their  heav'nly  foe: 
Tliey  weep;  they  beat  tbeir  beasts;  they  rend  their  hair, 
And  rich  embroider'd  vests  for  presents  bear." 

— Drydeu's  Virgil,  i.  G70 


180  THE  ILIAD. 

Not  thus  resistless  ruled  the  steam  of  fight, 
In  rage  unbounded,  and  unmatch'd  in  might." 

Hector  obedient  heard:  and,  with  a  bound, 
Leap'd  from  his  trembling  chariot  to  the  ground; 
Though  all  his  host  inspiring  force  he  flies, 
And  bids  the  thunder  of  the  battle  rise. 
With  rage  recruited  the  bold  Trojans  glow, 
And  turn  the  tide  of  conflict  on  the  foe: 
Fierce  in  the  front  he  shakes  two  dazzling  spears; 
All  Greece  recedes,  and  'midst  her  triumphs  fears; 
Some  god,  they  thought,  who  ruled  the  fate  of  wars. 
Shot  down  avenging  from  the  vault  of  stars. 

Then  thus  aloud:  "Ye  dauntless  Dardens,  hear! 
And  you  whom  distant  nations  send  to  war! 
Be  mindful  of  the  strength  your  fathers  bore; 
Be  still  yourselves,  and  Hector  asks  no  more. 
One  hour  demands  me  in  the  Trojan  wail, 
To  bid  our  altars  flame,  and  victims  fall: 
Nor  shall,  I  trust,  the  matron's  holy  train, 
And  reverend  elders,  seek  the  gods  in  vain." 

This  said,  with  ample  strides  the  hero  pass'd; 
The  shield's  large  orb  behind  his  shoulder  cast, 
His  neck  o'ershadiug,  to  his  ankle  hung; 
And  as  he  march'd  the  brazen  buckler  rung. 

Now  paused  the  battle  (godlike  Hector  gone),* 
Where  daring  Glaucus  and  great  Tydeus'  son 
Between  both  armies  met:  the  chiefs  from  far 
Observed  each  other,  and  had  mark'd  for  war. 
Near  as  they  drew,  Tydides  thus  began: 

"What  art  thou,  boldest  of  the  race  of  man? 
Our  eyes  till  now  that  aspect  ne'er  beheld, 
Where  fame  is  reap'd  amid  the  embattled  field; 
Yet  far  before  the  troops  thou  dar'st  appear, 
And  meet  a  lance  the  fiercest  heroes  fear. 

*  The  manner  in  wliicli  this  episode  is  introduced  is  well  illus- 
trated by  the  following  remarks  of  Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  298:  "The 
poet's  method  of  introducing  his  episode  also  illustrates  in  a 
curious  manner  his  tact  in  the  dramatic  department  of  his  art. 
Where,  for  example,  one  or  more  heroes  are  despatched  on  some 
commission,  to  be  executed  at  a  certain  distance  of  time  or  place, 
the  fulfillment  of  this  task  is  not,  as  a  general  rule,  immediately 
described.  A  certain  interval  is  allowed  them  for  reaching  the  ap- 
pointed scene  of  action,  which  interval  is  dramatized,  as  it  were, 
either  by  a  temporary  continuation  of  the  previous  narrative,  or 
be  fixing  attention  for  a  while  on  some  new  transaction,  at  the 
close  of  which  the  further  account  of  the  mission  is  resumed." 


THE  ILIAD.  181 

Unhappy  they,  and  born  of  luckless  sires, 
AVho  tempt  onr  fury  when  Minerva  fires! 
But  if  from  heaven,  celestial,  thou  descend, 
Know  with  immortals  we  no  more  contend. 
Not  long  Lycurgus  view'd  the  golden  light. 
That  daring  man  who  mix'd  with  gods  in  fight. 
Bacchus,  and  Bacchus'  votaries,  he  drove 
With  brandish'd  steel,  from  Nyssa's  sacred  grove: 
Their  consecrated  sjjears  lay  scatter'd  round, 
With  curling  vines  and  twisted  ivy  bound; 
While  Bacchus  headlong  sought  the  briny  flood. 
And  Thetis'  arms  received  the  trembling  god. 
Xor  fail'd  the  crime  the  immortars  wrath  to  move 
(The  immortals  bless'd  with  endless  ease  above; 
Deprived  of  sight  by  their  avenging  doom. 
Cheerless  he  breath'd  and  wauder'd  in  the  gloom. 
Then  sunk  unpitied  to  the  dire  abodes, 
A  wretch  accursed,  and  hated  by  the  gods! 
I  brave  not  heaven:  but  if  the  fruits  of  earth 
Sustain  thy  life,  and  human  be  thy  birth. 
Bold  as  thou  art,  too  prodigal  of  breath. 
Approach,  and  enter  the  dark  gates  of  death." 

"What,  or  from  whence  I  am,  or  who  my  sire 
(Replied  the  chief,  can  Tydeus'  son  inquire? 
Like  leaves  on  trees  the  race  of  man  is  found, 
Now  green  in  youth,  now  withering  on  the  ground, 
Another  race  the  following  spring  supplies; 
They  fall  successive,  and  successive  rise: 
So  generations  in  their  course  decay; 
So  flourish  these,  when  those  are  pass'd  away. 
Jjut  if  thou  still  persist  to  search  my  birth. 
Then  hear  a  tale  that  fills  the  spacious  earth. 

"A  city  stands  on  Argos'  utmost  bound 
(Argos  the  fair,  for  warlike  steeds  renown'd), 
yEolian  Sisyphus,  with  wisdom  bless'd, 
In  ancient  time  the  happy  wall  possess'd, 
Then  callM  Kphyre:  (jilaucus  was  his  son; 
Oreat  Glaucus,  father  of  Bellerophon, 
AVho  o'er  the  sons  of  men  in  beauty  sliined, 
Jjoved  for  that  valor  wjjich  preserves  mankind. 
'J'lien  mighty  Pni^tus  Argos  scepter  sway'd. 
Whose  lianl  commands  Bellerophon  ohey'd. 
AVitli  diri;ful  jealousy  tiie  monarch  raged, 
And  the  brave  prince  in  numerous  toils  engaged. 


182  THE  ILIAD. 

For  him  Antsea  burn'd  with  lawless  flame, 

And  strove  to  tempt  him  from  the  patlis  of  fame: 

111  vain  she  tempted  the  relentless  youth, 

Endued  with  wisdom,  sacred  fear,  and  truth. 

Fired  at  his  scorn  the  queen  to  Prfetus  fled, 

And  begg'd  revenge  for  her  insulted  bed: 

Incensed  he  heard,  resolving  on  his  fate; 

But  hospitable  laws  restrain'd  his  hate: 

To  Lycia  the  devoted  youth  he  sent. 

With  tablets  seal'd,  that  told  his  dire  intent.* 

Now  bless'd  by  every  power  who  guards  the  good, 

The  chief  arrived  at  Xanthus'  silver  flood: 

There  Lycia's  monarch  paid  him  honors  due, 

Nine  days  he  feasted,  and  nine  bulls  he  slew. 

But  when  the  tenth  Ijright  morning  orient  glow'd, 

The  faithful  youth  his  monarch's  mandate  show'd: 

The  fatal  tablets,  till  that  instant  seal'd. 

The  deathful  secret  to  the  king  reveal'd. 

First,  dire  Chimsera's  conquest  was  enjoin'd; 

A  mingled  monster  of  no  mortal  kind! 

Behind,  a  dragon's  fiery  tail  was  spread; 

A  goat's  rough  body  bore  a  lion's  head; 

Her  jjitchy  nostrils  flaky  flames  expire; 

Her  gaping  throats  emits  infernal  fire. 

"This  pest  he  slaughter'd  (for  he  read  the  skies, 
And  trusted  heaven's  informing  prodigies). 
Then  met  in  arms  the  Solymaran  crewf 
(Fiercest  of  men),  and  those  the  warrior  slew; 
Next  the  bold  Amazon's  whole  force  defied; 
And  conquer'd  still,  for  heaven  was  on  his  side. 

"Nor  ended  here  his  toils:  his  Lycian  foes, 
At  his  return,  a  treacherous  ambush  rose. 
With  levell'd  spears  along  the  winding  shore: 
There  fell  they  breathless,  and  return'd  no  more. 

"At  length  the  monarch,  with  repentant  grief, 
Confess'd  the  gods,  and  god-descended  chief; 
His  daughter  gave,  the  stranger  to  detain. 
With  half  the  honors  of  his  ample  reign: 
The  Lycians  grant  a  chosen  space  of  ground, 
Withwoods,  with  vineyards,  and  with  harvests  crown'd. 

*  With  tablets  sealed.  These  probably  were  only  devices  of  a 
liieroglypliical  character.  Whether  writing  was  known  in  the 
Homeric  limes  is  utterly  uncertain.  See  (arote,  vol.  ii.  p.  193, 
sqq. 

f  Solymcean  crew,  a  people  of  Lycia . 


TEE  ILIAD.  183 

There  long  the  chief  his  happy  lot  possess'd, 

With  two  brave  sons  and  one  fair  daughter  bless'd 

(Fair  e'en  in  heavenly  eyes:  her  frnitful  love 

Crown'd  with  Sarpedon's  birth  the  embrace  of  Jove); 

Bat  when  at  last,  distracted  in  his  mind, 

Forsook  by  heaven,  forsaking  humankind, 

Wide  o'er  the  Aleian  field  he  chose  to  stray, 

A  long,  forlorn,  uncomfortable  way!* 

Woes  heap'd  on  woes  consumed  his  wasted  heart: 

His  beauteous  daughter  fell  by  Phoebe's  dart; 

His  eldest  born  by  raging  Mars  was  slain, 

In  combat  on  the  Solyma^an  plain. 

Hippolochus  survived:  from  him  I  came, 

The  honor'd  author  of  my  birth  and  name; 

By  his  decree  I  sought  the  Trojan  town; 

By  his  instructions  learn  to  win  renown. 

To  stand  the  first  in  worth  as  in  command, 

To  add  new  honors  to  my  native  land. 

Before  my  eyes  my  mighty  sires  to  place, 

And  emulate  the  glories  of  our  race." 

He  spoke,  and  transport  fill'd  Tydides'  heart; 
In  earth  the  generous  warrior  fix'd  his  dart, 
Then  friendly,  thus  the  Lycian  prince  address'd: 
"Welcome,  my  brave  hereditary  guest! 
Thus  ever  let  us  meet,  with  kind  embrace. 
Nor  stain  the  sacred  friendship  of  our  race. 
Know,  chief,  our  grandsires  have  been  guests  of  old; 
(Enous  the  strong,  Bellerophon  the  bold: 
Our  ancient  seat  his  honor'd  presence  graced, 
\Vher(!  twenty  days  in  genial  rites  he  pass'd. 
The  pirting  heroes  mutual  presents  left; 
A  golden  goblet  was  thy  grandsire's  gift; 
G^neus  a  belt  of  matchless  work  bestowed. 
That  rich  witli  Tyrian  dye  refulgent  glow'd. 
(Tills  from  his  pledge  I  learn'd,  whicli,  safely  stored 
Among  my  treasures,  still  adorns  rny  board: 
For  Tydeus  left  me  young,  v^hen  Thebe's  wall 
Beiield  the  sons  of  Greece  untimely  fall.) 
Mindful  of  this,  in  friendship  lot  iis  join; 
If  heaven  our  stops  to  foreign  lands  incline, 

*  Krmn  lliis  "  iiKiliinclioly  madness"  of  l?cllcro])li()n,  liypo- 
<:li()n(lri(i  rf!fcivc(l  tlie  name  of  "  Morbus  Hcllcroiihontfnis."  See 
my  notes  in  my  prose  translation,  p.  112.  The  "  Aleian  field," 
i.  e.  "the  ])lain  of  wanderiiifj,"  was  situated  between  the  rivers 
Pyramus  and  Pinarus,  iu  Cilicia. 


184  THE  ILIAD. 

My  guest  in  Argos  thou,  and  I  in  Lycia  thine. 

Enough  of  Trojans  to  this  lance  shall  yield, 

In  tlie  full  harvest  of  yon  ample  field; 

Enough  of  Greeks  shall  dye  thy  spear  with  gore; 

But  thou  and  Diomed  be  foes  no  more. 

Now  change  we  arms,  and  prove  to  either  host 

We  guard  the  friendship  of  the  line  we  boast." 

Thus  having  said,  the  gallant  chiefs  alight, 
Their  hands  they  join,  their  mutual  faith  they  plight; 
Brave  Glaucus  then  eacii  narrow  thought  resign'd, 
(Jove  warm'd  his  bosom,  and  enlarged  his  mind). 
For  Diomed 's  brass  arms,  of  mean  device. 
For  wliich  nine  oxen  paid  (a  vulgar  price). 
He  gave  his  own,  of  gold  divinely  wrought,* 
A  hundred  beeves  the  shining  purchase  bought. 

Meantime  the  guardian  of  the  Trojan  state, 
Great  Hector,  enter'd  at  the  Scfean  gate.f 
Beneath  the  beech-tree's  consecrated  shades, 
The  Trojan  matrons  and  the  Trojan  maids 
Around  him  tlock'd,  all  press'd  with  pious  care 
For  husbands,  brothers,  sons,  engaged  in  war. 
He  bids  the  train  in  long  procession  go, 
And  seek  the  gods,  to  avert  the  impending  woe. 
And  now  to  Priam's  stately  courts  he  came, 
Rais'd  on  arch'd  columns  of  stupendous  frame; 
O'er  these  a  range  of  marble  structure  runs, 
The  rich  pavilions  of  his  fifty  sons, 
In  fifty  chambers  lodged:  and  rooms  of  state, J 
Opposed  to  those,  where  Priam's  daughters  sate. 
Twelve  domes  for  them  and  their  loved  spouses  shone. 
Of  equal  beauty,  and  of  polish 'd  stone. 
Hither  great  Hector  pass'd,  nor  pass'd  unseen 
Of  royal  Hecuba,  his  mother-queen. 
(With  her  Laodice,  whose  beauteous  face 
Surpass'd  the  nymphs  of  Troy's  illustrious  race.) 
Long  in  a  strict  embrace  she  held  her  son. 
And  press'd  his  hand,  and  tender  thus  begun: 


*  His  oton,  of  gold.     This  bad  bargain  has  passed  into  a  common 
proverb.     See  Aulus  Gellius,  ii.  23. 
f  Scmrtn,  i.  e.  left  band. 
X  In  fifty  cJiambers. 

"  Tbe  fifty  nuptial  beds  (sucb  bopes  bad  be, 
So  large  a  promise  of  a  progeny), 
Tbe  ports  of  plated  gold,  and  luing  witb  spoils." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  ii.  658. 


TEE  ILIAD.  186 

"0  Hector  I  say,  what  great  occasion  calls 
My  sou  from  fight,  when  Greece  surrounds  our  walls 
Com'st  thou  to  supplicate  the  almighty  power 
AVith  lifted  hands,  from  Ilion's  lofty  tower? 
Stay,  till  I  bring  the  cup  with  Bacchus  crown'd, 
In  Jove's  liigh  name,  to  sprinkle  on  the  ground, 
And  pay  due  vows  to  all  the  gods  around. 
Then  with  a  plenteous  draught  refresh  thy  soul, 
And  draw  new  spirits  from  the  generous  bowl; 
Spent  as  thou  art  with  long  laborious  fight, 
The  brave  defender  of  thy  country's  right." 

"Far  hence  be  Bacchus'  gifts  (the  chief  rejoin'd); 
Inflaming  wine,  pernicious  to  mankind. 
Unnerves  the  limbs,  and  dulls  the  noble  mind. 
Let  chiefs  abstain,  and  spare  the  sacred  juice 
To  sprinkle  to  the  gods,  its  better  use. 
By  me  that  holy  office  were  profaned; 
III  fits  it  me,  with  human  gore  distain'd. 
To  the  pure  skies  these  horrid  hands  to  raise, 
Or  offer  heaven's  great  Sire  polluted  praise. 
You,  with  your  matrons,  go!  a  spotless  train, 
And  burn  rich  odors  in  Minerva's  fane. 
The  largest  mantle  your  full  wardrobes  hold, 
Most  prized  for  art,  and  labor'd  o'er  with  gold, 
Before  the  goddess'  honor'd  knees  be  spread, 
And  twelve  young  heifers  to  her  altar  led. 
So  may  the  power,  atoned  by  fervent  prayer, 
Our  wives,  our  infants,  and  our  city  spare; 
And  far  avert  Tydides'  wasteful  ire. 
Who  mows  whole  troops,  and  makes  all  Troy  retire. 
Be  this,  0  mother,  your  religious  care: 
I  go  to  rouse  soft  l^iris  to  the  war; 
If  yet  not  lost  to  all  the  sense  of  shame, 
The  recreant  warrior  hear  the  voice  of  fame. 
Oh,  would  kind  earth  the  liateful  wretch  embrace. 
That  pest  of  Troy,  that  ruin  of  our  race!* 

*  0  would  kind  earth,  ftc.  "  It  is  apparently  a  .sudden,  ir- 
regular burst  of  popular  indignation  to  which  Hector  alludes, 
when  he  regrets  tliat  tlie  Trojans  had  not  spirit  enougli  to  cover 
Paris  witli  a  mantle  of  stones.  This,  however,  was  also  one  of 
the  ordinary  fnrinal  modes  of  )>unishment  for  great  ])uhli(;  ofTences. 
It  may  have  heen  originally  connected  with  the  same  feeding — 
the  desire  of  avoiding  the  |)ollution  of  l)lor>dshed  —  which  seem.s 
to  have  suggested  the  jiractice  of  burying  jjrisoners  alive,  with  a 
scantling  of  food  by  their  side,  'i'ljough  Homer  makes  no  men- 
tion  of   this   horrible  u.sage,  the  example  of  the  Koiuan  vestals 


186  THE  ILIAD. 

Deep  to  the  dark  abyss  might  he  descend, 
Troy  yet  should  flourish,  aud  my  sorrows  end." 

This  heard,  she  gave  command  :  and  summon'd  came 
Each  noble  matron  and  illustrious  dame. 
The  Phrygian  queen  to  her  rich  wardrobe  went, 
Where  treasured  odors  breathed  a  costly  scent. 
There  lay  the  vestures  of  no  vulgar  art, 
Sidonian  maids  embroider'd  every  part. 
Whom  from  soft  Sidon  youthful  Paris  bore, 
With  Helen  touching  on  the  Tyrian  shore. 
Here,  as  the  queen  revolved  with  careful  eyes 
The  various  textures  and  the  various  dyes. 
She  chose  a  veil  that  shone  superior  far, 
And  glow'd  refulgent  as  the  morning  star. 
Herself  with  this  the  long  procession  leads; 
The  train  majestically  slow  proceeds. 
Soon  as  to  Ilion's  topmost  tower  they  come, 
And  awful  reach  the  high  Palladian  dome, 
An  tenor's  consort,  fair  Theano,  waits 
As  Pallas'  priestess,  and  unbars  the  gates. 
With  hands  uplifted  and  imploring  eyes. 
They  fill  the  dome  with  supplicating  cries. 
The  priestess  then  the  shining  veil  displays, 
Placed  on  Minerva's  knees,  and  thus  she  prays! 

"Oh  awful  goddess!  ever-dreadful  maid, 
Troy's  strong  defence,  unconquer'd  Pallaa'  aid! 
Break  thou  Tydides'  spear,  and  let  him  fall 
Prone  on  the  dust  before  the  Trojan  wall! 
So  twelve  young  heifers,  guiltless  of  the  yoke. 
Shall  fill  thy  temple  with  a  grateful  smoke. 
But  thou,  atoned  by  penitence  and  prayer. 
Ourselves,  our  infants,  and  our  city  spare!" 
So  pray'd  the  priestess  in  her  holy  fane; 
So  vow'd  the  matrons,  but  they  vow'd  in  vain. 

While  these  appear  before  the  power  with  prayers. 
Hector  to  Paris'  lofty  dome  repairs.* 


affords  reasons  for  believing  that,  in  ascribing  it  to  the  heroic 
ages,  Sophocles  followed  an  authentic  tradition." — Thirlwall's 
Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  171,  sq. 

*  Paris'  lofty  dome.  "  With  respect  to  the  private  dwellings, 
which  are  oftenest  described,  the  poet's  language  barely  enables 
us  to  form  a  general  notion  of  their  ordinary  plan,  and  affords  no 
conception  of  the  style  which  prevailed  in  them,  or  their  effect  on 
the  eye.  It  seems  indeed  probable,  from  the  manner  in  which  he 
dwells  on  their  metallic  ornaments,  that  the  higher  beauty  of 
proportion  was   but  little  required  or   understood;  and  it  is,  per- 


THE  ILIAD.  187 

Himself  the  mansion  raised;  from  every  part 
Assembling  architects  of  matchless  art. 
Near  Priam's  court  and  Hector's  palace  stands 
The  pompous  structure,  and  the  town  commands. 
A  spear  the  hero  bore  of  wondrous  strength, 
Of  full  ten  cubits  was  the  lance's  length; 
The  steely  point  with  golden  ringlets  join'd, 
Before  him  brandish'd,  at  each  motion  sinned. 
Thus  entering,  in  the  glittering  rooms  he  found 
His  brother-chie«f,  whose  useless  arms  lay  round, 
His  eyes  delighting  with  their  splendid  show, 
Brightening  the  shield,  and  polishing  the  bow. 
Beside  him  Helen  with  her  virgins  stands. 
Guides  their  rich  labors,  and  instructs  their  hands. 

Him  thus  inactive,  with  an  ardent  look 
The  prince  beheld,  and  high-resenting  spoke. 
"Thy  hate  to  Troy,  is  this  the  time  to  show? 
(0  wretch  ill-fated,  and  thy  country's  foe!) 
Paris  and  Greece  against  us  both  conspire; 
Thy  close  resentment,  and  their  vengeful  ire. 
For  thee  great  Ilion's  guardian  heroes  fall, 
Till  heaps  of  dead  alone  defend  her  wall; 
For  thee  the  soldier  bleeds,  the  matron  mourns, 
And  wasteful  war  in  all  its  fury  burns. 
Ungrateful  man!  deserves  not  this  thy  care. 
Our  troops  to  hearten,  and  our  toils  to  share? 
Rise,  or  behold  the  conquering  flames  ascend, 
And  all  the  Phrygian  glories  at  an  end." 

"Brother,  'tis  just  (replied  the  beauteous  youth). 
Thy  free  remonstrance  proves  thy  worth  and  truth: 
Yet  charge  my  absence  less,  0  generous  chief! 
On  hate  to  Troy,  than  conscious  shame  and  grief: 
Here,  hiil  from  human  eyes,  thy  brother  sate, 
And  mourned,  in  secret,  his  and  Ilion's  fate. 
'Tis  now  enough :  now  glory  spreads  her  charms. 
And  beauteous  Helen  calls  her  chief  to  arms. 
Conquest  to-day  my  happier  sword  may  bless, 
'Tis  man's  to  fight,  but  heaven's  to  give  success. 
But  while  I  arm,  contain  thy  arilont  mind; 
Or  go,  and  Paris  shall  not  lag  Ijchind." 

haps,  fitrengtli  and  convenience,  rather  than  elegance  that  lie 
means  to  commend,  in  speai\in<r  of  tlie  fair  liouse  which  Paris  liad 
built  for  himself  with  the  ai<l  of  the  most  skillful  masons  of 
Troy." — Thirlwall's  Ureece,  vol.  i.  p.  2*31. 


188  TEE  ILIAD. 

He  said,  nor  answer'd  Priam's  warlike  son; 
When  Helen  thus  with  lovvlv  2;race  beo-un: 

"Oh,  generous  brotherl  (if  the  guilty  dame 
That  caused  these  woes  deserve  a  sister's  name!) 
Would  heaven,  ere  all  these  dreadful  deeds  were  done, 
The  day  that  show'd  me  to  the  golden  sun 
Had  seen  my  death !  why  did  not  whirlwinds  bear 
The  fatal  infant  to  the  fowls  of  air? 
Why  sunk  I  not  beneath  the  whelming  tide, 
And  midst  the  roarings  of  the  waters  died? 
Heaven  fiU'd  up  all  my  ills,  and  I  accursed 
Bore  all,  and  Paris  of  those  ills  the  worst. 
Helen  at  least  a  braver  spouse  might  claim, 
Warm'd  with  some  virtue,  some  regard  of  fame! 
Now  tired  with  toils,  thy  fainting  limbs  recline, 
With  toils,  sustain'd  for  Paris'  sake  and  mine: 
The  gods  have  link'd  our  miserable  doom, 
Our  present  woe,  and  infamy  to  come: 
Wide  shall  it  spread,  and  last  through  ages  long, 
Example  sad!  and  theme  of  future  song." 

The  chief  replied:  "This  time  for  bids  to  rest; 
The  Trojan  bands,  by  hostile  fury  press'd, 
Demand  their  Hector,  and  his  arm  require; 
The  combat  urges,  and  my  soul's  on  fire. 
Urge  thon  thy  knight  to  march  where  glory  calls, 
And  timely  join  me,  ere  I  leave  the  walls. 
Ere  yet  I  mingle  in  the  direful  fray, 
My  wife,  my  infant,  claim  a  moment's  stay; 
This  day  (perhaps  the  last  that  sees  me  here) 
Demands  a  parting  word,  a  tender  tear: 
This  day,  some  god  who  hates  our  Trojan  land 
May  vanquish  Hector  by  a  Grecian  hand." 

He  said,  and  pass'd  with  sad  presaging  heart 
To  seek  his  spouse,  his  soul's  far  dearer  part; 
At  home  he  sought  her,  but  he  sought  in  vain; 
She,  with  one  maid  of  all  her  menial  train, 
Had  hence  retired;  and  with  her  second  joy, 
The  y©ung  Astyanax,  the  hope  of  Troy, 
Pensive  she  stood  on  Ilion's  towery  height, 
Beheld  the  war,  and  sicken'd  at  the  sight; 
Tliere  her  sad  eyes  in  vain  her  lord  explore, 
Or  weep  the  wounds  her  bleeding  country  bore. 

But  he  who  found  not  whom  his  soul  desired, 
Whose  virtue  charm 'd  him  us  her  beauty  fired, 


THE  ILIAD.  189 

Stoorl  in  the  gates,  and  ask'd  "what  way  she  beut 
Her  parting  step?     If  to  the  fane  she  went, 
Where  late  the  mourning  matrons  made  resort; 
Or  sought  her  sisters  in  the  Trojan  conrt?" 
"Not  to  the  court  (replied  the  attendant  train), 
Nor  mix'd  with  matrons  to  ^Minerva's  fane: 
To  Ilion's  steepy  tower  she  bent  her  way. 
To  mark  the  fortunes  of  the  doubtful  day. 
Troy  fled,  she  heard,  before  the  Grecian  sword; 
She'heard,  and  trembled  for  her  absent  lord: 
Distracted  with  surprise,  she  seem'd  to  fly, 
Fear  on  her  cheek,  and  sorrow  in  her  eye. 
The  nurse  attended  with  her  infant  boy, 
The  young  Astyanax,  the  hope  of  Troy." 

Hector  this  heard,  return 'd  without  delay. 
Swift  through  the  town  he  trod  his  former  way, 
Through  streets  of  palaces,  and  walks  of  state; 
And  met  the  mourner  at  the  Sca?<5n  gate. 
With  haste  to  meet  him  sprung  the  joyful  fair. 
His  blameless  wife,  Action's  wealthy  heir 
(Cilician  Thebe  great  Action  sway'd. 
And  Hippoplacus'  wide-extended  shade): 
The  nurse  stood  near,  in  whose  embraces  press'd, 
His  only  hope  hung  smiling  at  her  breast. 
Whom  each  soft  charm  and  early  grace  adorn. 
Fair  as  the  new-born  star  that  glides  the  morn. 
To  this  loved  infant  Hector  gave  the  name 
Scamandrius,  from  Scamander's  honor'd  stream 
Astyanax  tiie  Trojans  call'd  the  boy, 
Froni  his  great  father,  the  defence  of  Troy. 
Silent  the  warrior  smiled,  and  pleased  resign'd 
To  tender  passions  all  his  mighty  mind; 
His  beauteous  jirincess  cast  a  mournful  look. 
Hung  on  his  hand,  and  then  dejected  spoke; 
Her  bosom  labor'd  with  a  boding  sigh, 
AihI  the  big  tear  stood  trembli/ig  in  her  eye. 

"Too  daring  princel  ah,  whither  dost  thou  run? 
Ah,  too  forgetful  of  thy  wife  and  son  I 
And  tbijik'st  thou  not  how  wretched  wo  shall  bo, 
A  widow  I,  a  helpless  orphan  he? 
For  sure  such  courage  length  of  life  denies, 
And  thou  must  fall,  thy  virtue's  sacriflce. 
Greece  in  her  single  heroes  .strove  in  vain; 
]^ow  hosts  oppose  thee,  and  thou  must  be  slain. 


190  TEE  ILIAD. 

0  grant  me,  gods,  ere  Hector  meets  his  doom, 

All  I  can  ask  of  heaven,  an  early  tomb! 

So  shall  my  days  in  one  sad  tenor  run, 

And  end  with  sorrows  as  they  first  begun. 

No  parent  now  remains  my  griefs  to  share. 

No  father's  aid,  no  mother's  tender  care. 

Tire  fierce  Achilles  wrapt  our  walls  in  fire, 

Laid  Thebe  waste,  and  slew  my  warlike  sire, 

His  fate  compassion  in  the  victor  bred; 

Stern  as  he  Avas,  he  yet  revered  the  dead. 

His  radiant  arms  preserved  from  hostile  spoil. 

And  laid  him  decent  on  the  funeral  pile; 

Then  raised  a  mountain  where  his  bones  were  bnrn'd, 

The  mountain-nymphs  the  rural  tomb  adorn'd, 

Jove's  sylvan  daughters  bade  their  elms  bestow 

A  barren  shade,  and  in  his  honor  grow. 

"By  the  same  arm  my  seven  brave  brothers  fell; 
In  one  sad  day  beheld  the  gates  of  hell; 
While  the  fat  herds  and  snowy  flocks  they  fed, 
Amid  their  fields  the  hapless  heroes  bled! 
My  mother  lived  to  wear  the  victor's  bands. 
The  queen  of  Hippoplacia's  sylvan  lands: 
Eedeem'd  too  late,  she  scarce  beheld  again 
Her  pleasing  empire  and  her  native  plain, 
When  ah!  oppress'd  by  life-consuming  woe. 
She  fell  a  victim  to  Diana's  bow. 

"Yet  while  my  Hector  still  survives,  I  see 
My  father,  mother,  brethren,  all,  in  thee: 
Alas!  my  parents,  brothers,  kindred,  all 
Once  more  will  perish,  if  my  Hector  fall, 
Thy  wife,  thy  infant,  in  thy  danger  share: 
Oh,  prove  a  husband's  and  a  father's  care! 
That  quarter  most  the  skillful  Greeks  annoy, 
Where  yon  wild  fig-trees  join  the  wall  of  Troy; 
Thou,  from  this  tower  defend  the  important  post; 
There  Agamemnon  points  his  dreadful  host, 
That  pass  Tydides,  Ajax,  strive  to  gain, 
And  there  the  vengeful  Spartan  fires  his  train. 
Thrice  our  bold  foes  the  fierce  attack  have  gi\4en 
Or  led  by  hopes,  or  dictated  from  heaven. 
Let  others  in  the  field  their  arms  employ. 
But  stay  my  Hector  here,  and  guard  l]is  Troy." 

The  chief  replied:  "That  2)ost  shall  be  my  care, 
Not  that  alone,  but  all  the  works  of  war. 


THE  ILIAD.  191 

How  would  the  sons  of  Troy,  in  arms  renown'd, 

And  Troy's  prond  dames,  whose  garments  sweep  the 

ground, 
Attaint  the  lustre  of  my  former  name, 
Should  Hector  basely  quit  the  field  of  fame? 
My  early  youth  was  bred  to  martial  pains, 
My  soul  impels  me  to  the  embattled  plains! 
Let  me  be  foremost  to  defend  the  tbrone. 
And  guari  my  father's  glories,  and  my  own. 

"Yet  come  it  will,  the  day  decreed  by  fates! 
(How  my  heart  trembles  while  my  tongue  relates!) 
The  day  when  thou,  imperial  Troy!  must  bend, 
And  see  thy  warriors  fall,  they  glories  end. 
And  yet  no  dire  presage  so  wounds  my  mind, 
My  mother's  death,  the  ruin  of  my  kind; 
Xot  Priam's  hoary  hairs  defiled  with  gore, 
"N'ot  all  my  brothers  gasping  on  the  shore; 
As  thine,  Andromache!     Thy  griefs  I  dread: 
I  see  thee  trembling,  weeping,  captive  led ! 
In  Argive  looms  our  battles  to  design. 
And  woes,  of  which  so  large  a  part  was  thine! 
To  bear  the  victor's  hard  commands,  or  bring 
The  weight  of  waters  from  Hyperia's  spring. 
There  while  you  groan  beneath  the  load  of  life, 
They  cry,  'Behold  the  mighty  Hector's  wife!' 
Some  haughty  Greek,  who  lives  thy  tears  to  see, 
Imbitters  all  "thy  woes,  by  naming  me. 
Tlie  thoughts  of  glory  past,  and  present  shame, 
A  thousand  griefs  shall  waken  at  the  name! 
May  I  lie  cold  before  that  dreadful  day, 
Press'd  with  a  load  of  monumental  clay! 
Thy  Hector,  wrapt  in  everlasting  sleep. 
Shall  neither  hear  thee  sigh,  nor  see  the  weep." 

Thus  having  spoke,  the  illustrious  chief  of  Troy 
Stretch'd  his  fond  arms  to  clasp  the  lovely  boy. 
The  babe  clung  crying  to  his  nurse's  breast. 
Soared  at  the  dazzling  helm,  and  nodding  crest. 
With  secret  pleasure  each  fond  parent  smiled. 
And  Hector  hasted  to  relieve  his  child. 
The  glittering  terrors  from  his  brows  unbound. 
And  placed  the  beaming  helmet  on  the  ground; 
Then  kiss'd  the  child,  and,  lil'ting  liigli  in  air. 
Thus  to  the  gods  preferr'd  a  father's  prayer: 

"0  thou  I  whose  glory  lills  iIk*  ethereal  throne. 
And  all  yn  deatiiicss  powers!  protect  my  son! 


192  THE  ILIAD. 

Grant  him,  like  me,  to  purchase  just  renown, 
To  guard  the  Trojans,  to  defend  tlie  crown, 
Against  his  country's  foes  the  war  to  wage, 
And  rise  the  Hector  of  the  future  agel 
So  when  triumphant  from  successful  toils 
Of  heroes  slain  he  bears  the  reeking  spoils, 
AVhole  hosts  may  hail  him  with  deserved  acclaim, 
And  say,  'This  chief  transcends  his  father's  fame:' 
While  i^leased  amidst  the  general  shouts  of  Troy, 
His  mother's  conscious  heart  o'erflows  with  joy." 

He  spoke,  and  fondly  gazing  on  her  charms. 
Restored  the  pleasing  burden  to  her  arms; 
Soft  on  her  fragrant  breast  the  babe  she  laid, 
Hush'd  to  repose,  and  with  a  smile  survey'd. 
The  troubled  pleasure  soon  chastised  by  fear, 
She  mingled  with  a  smile  a  tender  tear. 
The  soften'd  chief  with  kind  compassion  view'd, 
And  dried  the  falling  drops,  and  thus  pursued: 

"Andromachol  my  soul's  far  better  part. 
Why  with  untimely  sorrows  heaves  thy  heart? 
No  hostile  hand  can  antedate  my  doom. 
Till  fate  condemns  me  to  the  silent  tomb. 
Fixed  is  the  term  to  all  the  race  of  earth; 
And  such  the  hard  condition  of  our  birth: 
No  force  can  then  resist,  no  flight  can  save, 
All  sink  alike,  the  fearful  and  the  brave. 
No  more— but  hasten  to  thy  tasks  at  home; 
There  guide  the  spindle,  and  direct  the  loom: 
Me  gloiy  summons  to  the  martial  scene, 
The  field  of  combat  is  the  sphere  for  men. 
W^here  heroes  war,  the  foremost  place  I  claim, 
TJie  first  in  danger  as  the  first  in  fame." 

Thus  having  said,  the  glorious  chief  resumes 
His  towery  helmet,  black  with  shading  plumes. 
His  princess  parts  with  a  prophetic  sigh. 
Unwilling  parts,  and  oft  reverts  her  eye 
That  stream'd  at  every  look;  then,  moving  slow. 
Sought  her  own  palace,  and  indulged  her  woe. 
There,  while  her  tears  deplored  the  godlike  man, 
Through  all  her  train  the  soft  infection  ran; 
The  pious  maids  their  mingled  sorrows  shed, 
And  mourn  the  living  Hector,  as  the  dead. 

But  now,  no  longer  deaf  to  honor's  call, 
Forth  issues  Paris  from  the  palace  wall. 


THE  ILIAD.  193 

In  brazen  arms  that  cast  a  gleamy  ray, 

Swift  through  the  town  the  warrior  bends  bis  Avay; 

The  Avanton  courser  thns  with  reins  unbound* 

Breaks  from  his  stall,  and  beats  the  trembling  ground: 

Pamper'd  and  proud,  he  seeks  the  wonted  tides, 

And  laves,  in  height  of  blood  his  shining  sides; 

His  head  now  freed,  he  tosses  to  the  skies; 

His  mane  dishevell'd  o'er  his  shoulders  flies; 

He  snuffs  the  females  in  the  distant  plain. 

And  springs,  exulting,  to  his  fields  again. 

With  equal  triumph,  sprightly,  bold,  and  gay, 

In  arms  refulgent  as  the  god  of  day. 

The  son  of  Priam,  glorying  in  his  might, 

Kush'd  forth  with  Hector  to  the  fields  of  fight. 

And  now,  the  warriors  passing  on  the  way, 
The  graceful  Paris  first  excused  his  stay. 
To  whom  the  noble  Hector  thus  replied: 
"0  chief!  in  blood,  and  now  in  arms,  allied! 
Thy  power  in  war  with  justice  none  content; 
Known  is  thy  courage,  and  thy  strength  confess'd. 
What  pity  sloth  should  seize  a  soul  so  brave, 
Or  godlike  Paris  live  a  woman"'s  slave! 
My  heart  weeps  blood  at  what  the  Trojans  say, 
And  hopes  thy  deeds  shall  Avipo  the  stain  away. 
Haste  then,  in  all  their  glorious  labors  share, 
For  much  they  suffer,  for  thy  sake,  in  war. 
These  ills  shall  cease,  whene'er  by  Jove's  decree 
We  crown  the  bowl  to  heaven  and  liberty: 
While  the  proud  foe  his  frustrate  triumphs  mourns, 
And  Greece  indignant  through  her  seas  returns." 


*  The  wanton  courser. 

"  Come  (lestrien  die  da  lo  regie  stalle 
Ove  a  I'usa  de  rarine  si  riserba, 
Fugge,  e  liliero  al  fin  per  largo  calle 
Va  tragi'  armenti,  dai  fiiuue  usato  o  a  I'herba." 

— Gier.  Lib.  ix.  75. 


194  TEE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  YII. 

AEGUMENT. 

THE   SINGLE   COMBAT  OF  HECTOR  AND   AJAX. 

The  battle  renewing  with  double  ardor  upon  the  return  of  Hector, 
Minerva  is  under  apprehensions  for  the  Greeks.  Apollo, 
seeing  her  descend  from  Olympus,  joins  her  near  the  Scsean 
gate.  They  agree  to  put  off  the  general  engagement  for  that 
day,  and  incite  Hector  to  challenge  the  (J reeks  to  a  single 
combat.  Nine  of  the  princes  accepting  the  challenge,  the  lot 
is  cast  and  falls  upon  Ajax.  These  heroes,  after  several 
attacks,  are  parted  by  the  night.  The  Trojans  calling  a 
council,  Antenor  proposes  the  delivery  of  Helen  to  the 
Greeks;  to  which  Paris  will  not  consent,  but  offers  to  restore 
them  her  riches.  Priam  sends  a  herald  to  make  this  offer, 
and  to  demand  a  truce  for  burning  the  dead;  the  last  of  which 
only  is  agreed  to  by  Agamemnon.  When  the  funerals  are 
performed,  the  Greeks,  pursuant  to  the  advice  of  Nestor, 
erect  a  fortification  to  protect  their  fleet  and  camp,  flanked 
with  towers,  and  defended  by  a  ditch  and  palisades.  Neptune 
testifies  his  jealousy  at  this  work,  but  is  pacified  by  a  promise 
from  Jupiter.  Both  armies  pass  the  night  in  feasting;  but 
Jupiter  disheartens  the  Trojans  with  thunder,  and  other 
signs  of  his  wrath. 

The  three-and-twentieth  day  ends  with  the  duel  of  Hector 
and  Ajax;  the  next  day  the  truce  is  agreed;  another  is  taken 
up  in  the  funeral  rites  of  the  slain;  and  one  more  in  building 
th-e  fortification  before  the  ships.  So  that  somewhat  about 
three  days  is  employed  in  this  book.  The  scene  lies  wholly 
in  the  field. 

So  spoke  the  guardian  of  the  Trojan  state, 
Then  rnsh'd  impetuous  through  the  Scsean  gate. 
Him  Paris  follow'd  to  the  dire  alarms; 
Both  breathing  slaughter,  both  resolved  in  arms. 
As  when  to  sailors  laboring  through  the  main, 
That  long  have  heaved  the  weary  oar  in  vain, 
Jove  bids  at  length  the  expected  gales  arise; 
The  gales  blow  grateful,  and  the  vessel  flies: 
So  welcome  these  to  Troy's  desiring  train; 
The  bands  are  cheer'd,  the  war  awakes  again. 


THE  ILIAD.  195 

Bold  Paris  first  the  work  of  death  begun 
On  grent  Menestheus,  Areithous'  son; 
Sprung  from  the  fair  Philomeda's  embrace, 
The  pleasing  Arne  was  his  native  place. 
Then  sunk  Eioneus  to  the  shades  below; 
Beneath  his  steely  casque*  he  felt  the  blow 
Full  on  his  neck,  from  Hector's  weighty  hand; 
And  roll'd,  with  limbs  relax'd,  along  the  laud. 
By  Glaucus'  spear  the  bold  Iphinous  bleeds, 
Fix'd  in  the  shoulder  as  he  mounts  his  steeds; 
Headlong  he  tumbles:  his  slack  nerves  unbound, 
Drop  the  cold  useless  members  on  the  ground. 

When  now  Minerva  saw  her  Argives  slain, 
From  vast  Olympus  to  the  gleaming  plain 
Fierce  she  descends:  Apollo  marked  her  flight, 
Nor  shot  less  swift  form  Ilion's  towery  height. 
Radiant  they  met,  beneath  the  beechen  shade; 
When  thus  Apollo  to  the  blue-eyed  maid : 

"What  cause,  0  daughter  of  Almighty  Jove! 
Thus  wings  thy  progress  from  the  realms  above? 
Once  more  impetuous  dost  thou  bend  thy  way, 
To  give  to  Greece  the  long  divided  day? 
Too  much  has  Troy  already  felt  thy  hate. 
Now  breathe  thy  rage,  and  hush  the  stern  debate 
This  day,  the  business  of  the  field  suspend; 
War  soon  shall  kiiulle,  and  great  Hion  bend; 
Since  vengeful  goddesses  confederate  join 
I'o  raize  her  wall,  though  built  by  liands  divine." 

To  whom  the  progeny  of  Jove  replies: 
"I  left,  for  this,  the  council  of  the  skies: 
liut  who  shall  bid  conflicting  hosts  forbear. 
What  art  shall  calm  the  furious  sons  of  war?" 
I'o  her  tlie  god:  "Great  Hector's  soul  incite 
To  dare  the  boldest  Greek  to  single  fight, 
Till  Greece,  provoked,  from  all  her  numbers  show 
A  warrior  worthy  to  be  Hector's  foe." 

At  this  agreed,  the  heavenly  powers  withdrew; 
Sage  Helenus  tljcir  secret  counsels  knew; 
Hector,  inspired,  besought:  to  him  address'd. 
Thus  told  the  dictates  of  his  sacred  breast: 


*  Caanue.  The  original  word  is  6r/-^dv?;,  about  tlie  ineaninpr 
of  vvLicli  there  is  some  doubt.  Some  take  it  lor  a  different  kinci 
of  cap  or  helmet,  others  for  the  rim,  others  for  the  cone,  of  the 
helmet. 


196  THE  ILIAD. 

"0  son  of  Priam!  let  thy  faithful  ear 
Eeceive  ray  words:  thy  friend  and  brother  hear, 
Go  forth  persuasive  and  a  while  engage 
The  warring  nations  to  suspend  their  rage; 
Tlien  dare  the  boldest  of  the  hostile  train 
To  mortal  combat  on  the  listed  plain. 
For  not  this  day  shall  end  thy  glorious  date, 
The  gods  have  spoke  it,  and  tlieir  voice  is  fate." 
He  said:  the  warrior  heard  the  word  with  joy; 
Then  with  his  spear  restrain'd  the  youth  of  Troy, 
Held  by  the  midst  athwart.     On  either  hand 
The  squadrons  part;  the  expecting  Trojans  stand; 
Great  Agamemnon  bids  the  Greek  forbear: 
They  breathe,  and  hush  the  tumult  of  the  war. 
The  Athenian  maid,*  and  glorious  god  of  day, 
With  silent  joy  the  settling  hosts  survey: 
In  form  of  vultures,  on  the  beech's  height 
They  sit  conceal'd,  and  wait  the  future  fight. 

The  throiiging  troops  obscure  the  dusty  fields. 
Horrid  with  bristling  spears,  and  gleaming  shields. 
As  when  a  general  darkness  veils  the  mam, 
(Soft  zephyr  curling  the  wide  wat'ry  plain,) 
The  waves  scarce  heave,  the  face  of  ocean  sleeps, 
And  a  still  horror  saddens  all  the  deeps; 
Thus  in  thick  orders  settling  wide  around, 
At  length  composed  they  sit,  and  shade  the  ground. 
Great  Hector  first  amidst  both  armies  broke 
The  solemn  silence,  and  their  powers  bespoke: 

"Hear,  all  ye  Trojan,  all  ye  Grecian  bands. 
What  my  soul  prompts,  and  what  some  god  commands. 
Great  Jove,  averse  our  warfare  to  compose, 
O'erwhelms  the  nations  with  new  toils  and  woes; 
War  with  a  fiercer  tide  once  more  returns, 
Till  Ilion  falls,  or  till  yon  navy  burns. 
Yon  then,  0  princes  of  the  Greeks!  appear; 
'Tis  Hector  speaks,  and  calls  the  gods  to  hear: 
From  all  your  troops  select  the  boldest  knight, 
And  him,  the  boklest.  Hector  dares  to  fight. 
Here  if  I  fall,  by  chance  of  battle  slain, 
Ee  his  my  spoil,  and  his  these  arms  remain; 
But  let  my  body,  to  my  friends  return'd, 
JBy  Trojan  hands  and  Trojan  flames  be  burn'd. 
And  if  Apollo,  in  whose  aid  I  trust, 
Shall  stretch  your  daring  champion  in  the  dust; 

*  A  thenian  maid :  Minerva. 


THE  ILIAD.  197 

If  ui-ine  the  glory  to  despoil  the  foe; 
On  Phoebus'  temple  I'll  his  arms  bestow: 
The  breatiiless  carcase  to  your  navy  sent, 
Greece  on  the  shore  shall  raise  a  monument; 
Which  when  some  future  mariner  surveys, 
Wash'd  by  broad  Hellespont's  resounding  seas, 
Thus  shall  he  say,  'A  valiant  Greek  lies  there, 
By  Hector  shun,*^the  mighty  man  of  war,' 
The  stone  shall  tell  your  vanquish'd  hero's  name, 
And  distant  ages  learn  the  victor's  fame." 

This  fierce  detiance  Greece  astonish'd  heard, 
Blush'd  to  refuse,  and  to  accept  it  fear'd. 
Stern  Meuelaiis  first  the  silence  broke, 
And,  inly  groaning,  thus  opprobrious  spoke: 

'•Women  of  Greece!  0  scandal  of  your  race. 
Whose  coward  souls  your  manly  form  disgrace. 
How  great  the  shame,  when  every  age  shall  know 
That  not  a  Grecian  met  this  noble  foe! 
Go  then!  resolve  to  earth,  from  whence  ye  grew, 
A  heartless,  spiritless,  inglorious  crew! 
Ijo  what  ye  seem,  unanimated  clay. 
Myself  will  dare  the  danger  of  the  day; 
'Tis  man's  bold  task  the  generous  strife  to  try, 
But  in  the  hands  of  God  ia  victory." 

These    words    scarce    spoke,    with    generous    ardor 
press' d, 
Ilis  manly  limbs  in  azure  arms  he  dress'd. 
That  dav,  Atrides!  a  superior  hand 
Had  stretch'd  thee  breathless  on  the  hostile  strand; 
liut  all  at  once,  thy  fury  to  compose, 
I'he  kings  of  Greece,  an  awful  band,  arose; 
Even  he  their  chief,  great  Agamenino]i,  press'd 
Thy  daring  hand,  and  this  advice  address'd: 
"Wiiither,  0  MenelaiisI  wouldst  thou  run. 
And  tempt  a  fate  which  prudence  bids  tiiee  shun? 
Grieved  thougli  thou  art,  forbear  the  rash  design; 
(ireat  Hector's  arm  is  mightier  far  than  thine: 
Even  fierce  Achilles  learned  its  force  to  fear, 
And  trembling  met  this  dreadful  son  of  war. 
Sit  thou  secure,  amidst  thy  social  band; 
(ireece  in  our  cause  shall  -.irm  some  i)oworful  hand. 
The  mightiest  warri(jr  of  the  Achaian  name. 
Though  bold  and  burning  with  desire  of  fame, 
Content  the  doubtful  honor  might  forego. 
So  great  the  danger,  and  so  brave  the  foe." 


198  THE  ILIAD. 

He  said,  and  turn'd  his  brotiier's  vengeful  miud; 
He  stoop'd  to  reason,  and  his  rage  resign'd, 
No  longer  bent  to  rush  on  certain  harms; 
His  joyful  friends  nnbrace  his  assure  arms. 

He  from  whose  lips  divine  persuasion  flows, 
Grave  Nestor,  then,  in  graceful  act  arose; 
Thus  to  the  kings  he  spoke:  "What  grief,  what  shame 
Attend  on  Greece,  and  all  the  Grecian  name! 
How  shall,  alas!  her  hoary  heroes  mourn 
Their  sons  degenerate,  and  their  race  a  scorn! 
Wiiat  tears  shall  down  thy  silvery  beard  be  roll'd, 

0  Peleus,  old  in  arms,  in  wisdom  old! 

Once  with  what  joy  the  generous  prince  would  hear 
Of  every  chief  who  fought  this  glorious  war, 
Participate  their  fame,  and  pleased  inquire 
Each  name,  each  action,  and  each  hero's  sire! 
Gods!  should  he  see  our  warriors  trembling  stand, 
And  trembling  all  before  one  hostile  hand; 
How  would  he  lift  his  aged  arms  on  high, 
Lament  inglorious  Greece,  and  beg  to  die! 
Oh!  would  to  all  the  immortal  powers  above, 
Minerva,  Phoebus,  and  Almighty  Jove! 
Years  might  again  roll  back,  my  youth  renew, 
And  give  this  arm  the  spriiig  which  once  it  knew: 
When  fierce  in  war,  where  Jardan's  waters  fall, 

1  led  my  troops  to  Phea's  trembliiig  wall, 

And  with  the  Arcadian  spears  n^y  prowess  tried. 
Where  Celadon  rolls  down  his  rapid  tide.* 
There  Ereuthalion  braved  us  in  the  field, 
Proud  Areithous'  dreadful  arms  to  wield; 
Great  Areithous,  known  from  shore  to  shore 
By  the  huge,  knotted,  iron  mace  he  bore: 
No  lance  he  shook,  nor  bent  the  twanging  bow, 
But  broke,  with  this,  the  battle  of  the  foe. 
Him  not  by  manly  force  Lycurgus  slew, 
W^hose  guileful  javelin  from  the  thicket  flew. 
Deep  in  a  winding  way  his  breast  assailed, 
Nor  aught  the  warrior's  thundering  mace  avail'd. 
Supine  he  fell:  those  arms  whicli  Mars  before 
Had  given  the  vanquish'd,  now  the  victor  bore: 
But  when  old  age  had  dimm'd  Lycurgus'  eyes, 
To  Ereuthalion  he  consign'd  the  prize. 
Furious  with  this  he  crush'd  our  levell'd  bands. 
And  dared  the  trial  of  the  strongest  hands; 

*  Celadon,  a  river  of  Elis. 


THE  ILIAD.  199 

Nor  could  the  strongest  hands  his  fury  stay: 
All  saw,  and  fear'd,  his  huge  tempestuous  sway, 
Till  I,  the  youngest  of  the  host,  appear'd, 
And,  youngest,  met  whom  all  our  army  fear'd. 
I  fought  the  chief;  my  arms  Minerva  crown'd: 
Prone  fell  the  giant  o'er  a  length  of  ground. 
What  then  I  was,  0  were  your  Nestor  now! 
Not  Hector's  self  should  want  an  equal  foe. 
But,  warriors,  you  that  youthful  vigor  boast, 
The  flower  of  Greece,  the  examples  of  our  host, 
Sprung  from  such  fathers,  who  such  numbers  sway, 
Can  you  stand  trembling,  and  desert  the  day?" 

His  warm  reproofs  the  listening  kings  inflame, 
And  nine,  the  noblest  of  the  Grecian  name. 
Up-started  fierce:  but  far  before  the  rest 
The  king  of  men  advanced  his  dauntless  breast 
Then  bold  Tydides,  great  in  arms,  appear'd; 
And  next  his  bulk  gigantic  Ajax  rear'd; 
Oileus  follow'd;  Idomen  was  there,* 
And  Merion,  dreadful  as  the  god  of  war: 
With  these  Eurypylus  and  Thoas  stand, 
And  wise  Ulysses  closed  the  daring  band. 
All  these,  alike  inspired  with  noble  ra^^e. 
Demand  the  fight,     To  wliom  the  Pylian  sage: 

"Lest  thirst  of  glory  your  brave  souls  divide, 
What  chief  shall  combat,  let  the  gods  decide. 
Whom  heaven  shall  choose,  be  his  the  chance  to  raise 
His  country's  fame,  his  own  immortal  praise." 

The  lots  produced,  each  hero  signs  his  own: 
Then  in  the  general's  helm  the  fates  are  thrown, f 
Tlie  people  pray,  with  lifted  eyes  and  hands. 
And  vows  like  these  ascend  from  all  the  bands: 
"Grant,  thou  Almighty!  in  whoso  hand  is  fate, 
A  worthy  cham})ion  for  the  Grecian  state: 
Tliis  task  let  Ajax  or  Tydides  prove. 
Or  he,  the  kings  of  kings,  beloved  by  Jove." 
Old  Nestor  shook  tho  casque,     hy  heaven  inspired, 
Leap'd  fortli  the  lot,  of  every  Greek  desired. 
This  from  the  right  to  left  the  herald  bears, 
Held  out  in  order  to  the  Grecian  peers; 


*0"deu8,i.  e.  Ajax,  the  son  of  Oileus,  in  ccininulistinction  to 
Ajax,  son  f)f  Teluinon. 

f  In  the  f/i'iiirfd'x  luliii.  It  was  cu.stomary  to  j)iit  the  lots  into  a 
lielmet,  in  which  they  were  well  shaken  up;  each  man  then  to(jk 
his  choice. 


200  TEE  ILIAD. 

Each  to  his  rival  yields  the  mark  uuknown, 
Till  godlike  Ajax  finds  the  lot  his  own; 
Surveys  the  inscription  with  rejoicing  eyes, 
Then  casts  before  him,  and  with  transport  cries: 

"Warriors!  I  claim  the  lot,  and  arm  with  joy; 
Be  mine  the  conquest  of  this  chief  of  Troy. 
Now  while  my  brightest  arms  my  limbs  invest, 
To  Saturn's  son  be  all  your  vows  address'd : 
But  pray  in  secret,  lest  the  foes  should  hear, 
Anil  deem  your  prayers  the  mean  effect  of  fear. 
Said  I  in  secret?     No,  your  vows  declare 
In  SLich  a  voice  as  fills  the  earth  and  air, 
Lives  there  a  chief  whom  Ajax  ought  to  dread? 
Ajax,  in  all  the  toils  of  battle  bred! 
From  warlike  Salamis  I  drew  my  birth, 
And,  born  to  combats,  fear  no  force  on  earth." 

He  said.     The  troops  with  elevated  eyes. 
Implore  the  god  whose  thunder  rends  the  skies: 
"0  father  of  mankind,  superior  lord! 
On  lofty  Ida's  holy  hill  adored: 
Who  in  the  highest  heaven  has  fix'd  thy  throne. 
Supreme  of  Gods!  unbounded  and  alone: 
Grant  thou,  that  Telamon  may  bear  away 
The  praise  and  conquest  of  this  doubtful  day; 
Or,  if  illustrious  Hector  be  thy  care, 
That  both  may  claim  it,  and  that  both  may  share. 

Now  Ajax  braced  his  dazzling  armor  on; 
Sheathed  in  bright  steel  the  giant  warrior  shone: 
He  moves  to  combat  with  majestic  pace: 
So  stalks  in  arms  the  grisly  god  of  Thrace,* 
When  Jove  to  punish  faithless  men  prepares, 
And  gives  whole  nations  to  the  waste  of  wars. 
Thus  march'd  the  chief,  tremendous  as  a  god; 
Grimly  he  smiled;  earth  trembled  as  he  strode :f 
His  massy  javelin  quivering  in  his  hand, 
He  stood,  the  bulwark  of  the  Grecian  band. 
Through  every  Argive  heart  new  transport  ran; 
All  Troy  stood  trembling  at  the  mighty  man: 

*  Ood  of  TJirace.     Mars,  or  Mavors,  according  to  liis  Tbracian 
epitliet.     Hence  "  Mavortia  Moenia." 
f  Grimly  he  smiled. 

"  And  death 
Grinn'd  horribly,  a  ghastly  smile." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  ii.  845. 
"  There  Mavors  stands 
Grinning  with  ghastly  feature." 

— Carey's  Dante:  Hell,  v. 


J? 


THE  ILIAD.  201 

Even  fleeter  paused;  and  with  new  doubt  oppress'd, 
Felt  his  great  heart  suspended  in  his  breast 
'Twas  vain  to  seek  retreat,  and  vain  to  fear; 
Himself  had  challenged,  and  the  foe  drew  near. 

Stern  Telamon  behind  his  ample  shield, 
As  from  a  brazen  tower,  o'erlook'd  the  field. 
Huge  was  its  orb,  with  seven  thick  folds  o'ercast, 
Of  tough  bull-hides;  of  solid  brass  the  last, 
(The  work  of  Tychius,  who  in  Hyle  dwell'd 
And  in  all  arts  of  armory  escell'd). 
This  Ajax  bore  before  his  manly  breast, 
And,  threatening,  thus  his  adverse  chief  address'd: 

"Hector!  approach  my  arm,  and  singly  know 
What  strength  thou  hast,  and  what  the  Grecian  foe. 
Achilles  shuns  the  tight;  yet  some  there  are, 
Not  void  of  soul,  and  not  unskill'd  in  war: 
Let  him,  unactive  on  the  sea-beat  shore, 
Indulge  his  wrath,  and  aid  our  arms  no  more; 
AVhole  troops  of  heroes  Greece  has  yet  to  boast, 
And  sends  thee  one,  a  sample  of  her  host, 

Such  as  I  am,  I  come  to  prove  thy  might; 
No  more — be  sudden,  and  begin  the  fight." 

"0  son  of  Telamon,  thy  country's  pride! 
(To  Ajax  thus  the  Trojan  prince  replied) 
Me,  as  a  boy,  or  woman,  wouldst  thou  fright,  * 

New  to  the  field,  and  tiembling  at  the  fight? 
Thou  meet'st  a  chief  deserving  of  thy  arms. 
To  combat  born,  and  bred  amidst  alarms: 
I  know  to  shift  my  ground,  remount  the  car, 
Turn,  charge,  and  answer  every  call  of  war; 
To  right,  to  left,  the  dexterous  lance  I  wield. 
And  bear  thick  battle  on  my  sounding  shield. 
But  open  be  our  fight,  aiul  "bold  each  blow; 
I  steal  no  conquest  from  a  noble  foe." 

He  said,  and  rising,  high  above  the  field 
Whirl'd  the  long  lance  against  the  sevenfold  shield. 
Full  on  the  brass  desceniliug  from  above 
Through  six  bull-hides  the  furious  w('a])on  drove, 
Till  in  the  seventh  it  lix'd.     Then  Ajax  threw; 
Through  Hector's  shield  the  forceful  javelin  flew. 
His  corslet  enters,  and  his  garment  rends, 
And  glancing  downwards,  near  his  flank  descends. 
The  wary  Trojan  shrinks,  and  bending  low 
Beneath  his  buckler,  disappoints  the  blow. 


202  THE  ILIAD. 

From  their  bored  shields  the  chiefs  their  javelins  drew, 

Then  close  impetuous,  and  the  charge  renew; 

Fierce  as  the  mountain-lions  batlied  in  blood, 

Or  foaming  boars,  the  terror  of  the  wood. 

At  Ajax,  Hector  his  long  lance  extends; 

The  blunted  point  against  the  buckler  bends; 

But  Ajax,  watchful  as  his  loe  drew  near, 

Drove  tlirough  the  Trojan  targe  the  kuott}'  spear; 

It  reach'd  his  neck,  with  matchless  strength  impell'd! 

Spouts  the  black  gore,  and  dims  his  shining  shield. 

Yet  ceased  not  Hector  thus;  but  stooping  down. 

In  his  strong  hand  up-heaved  a  flinty  stone, 

Black,  craggy,  vast:  to  this  his  force  he  bends; 

Full  on  the  brazen  boss  the  stone  descends; 

The  hollow  brass  resounded  with  the  shock: 

Then  Ajax  seized  the  fragment  of  a  rock. 

Applied  each  nerve,  and  swinging  round  on  high, 

AVith  force  temijestuous,  let  the  ruin  fly; 

The  huge  stone  thundering  through  his  buckler  broke: 

His  slacken'd  knees  received  the  numbing  stroke; 

Great  Hector  falls  extended  on  the  field. 

His  bulk  supporting  on  the  shatter'd  shield: 

Nor  wanted  heavenly  aid:  Apollo's  might 

Confirm'd  his  sinews,  and  restored  to  fight. 

And  now  both  heroes  their  broad  falchions  drew: 

In  flaming  circles  round  tlieir  heads  they  flew; 

But  then  by  heralds'  voice  the  word  was  given, 

The  sacred  ministers  of  earth  and  heaven; 

Divine  Talthybius,  whom  the  Greeks  employ. 

And  sage  Ida^us  on  the  part  of  Troy, 

Between  the  swords  their  peaceful  sceptres  rear'd; 

And  first  Id^us'  awful  voice  was  heard : 

"Forbear,  my  sons!  your  further  force  to  prove. 
Both  dear  to  men,  and  both  beloved  of  Jove. 
To  either  host  your  matchless  worth  is  known, 
Each  sounds  your  praise,  and  war  is  all  your  own. 
But  now  the  Night  extends  her  awful  shade; 
Tlie  goddess  parts  you;  be  the  night  obey'd."* 

To  whom  great  Ajax  his  high  soul  express'd: 
"0  sage!  to  Hector  be  these  words  address'd. 

*  "  Sete  6  guerrieri,  incomincio  Pindoro, 
Con  pari  honor  di  pari  ambo  possenti, 
Dunque  cessi  la  pugna,  e  non  sian  rotte 
Le  ragioni,  e  '1  riposo,  e  de  la  notte." 

— Gier.  Lib.  vi.  51. 


THE  ILIAD.  203 

Let  him,  who  first  provoked  our  chiefs  to  fight, 

Let  him  demand  the  sanction  of  the  night; 

If  first  he  ask'd  it,  I  content  obey, 

And  cease  tlie  strife  when  Hector  shows  the  way." 

'*0  first  of  Greeks!  (his  noble  foe  rejoiu'd) 
Whom  heaven  adorns,  superior  to  thy  kind, 
With  strength  of  body,  and  with  worth  of  mind! 
Xow  martial  law  commands  us  to  forbear; 
Hereafter  we  shall  meet  in  glorious  war. 
Some  future  day  shall  lengthen  out  the  strife, 
And  let  the  gods  decide  of  death  or  lifel 
Since,  then,  the  night  extends  her  gloomy  shade, 
And  heaven  enjoins  it,  be  the  night  obey'd. 
Eeturn,  brave  Ajax,  to  thy  Grecian  friends, 
And  joy  the  nations  whom  thy  arm  defends; 
As  I  shall  glad  each  chief,  and  Trojan  wife, 
AVho  wearies  heaven  with  vows  for  Hector's  life. 
But  let  us,  on  this  memorable  day. 
Exchange  some  gift:  that  Greece  and  Troy  may  say 
"Not  hate,  but  glory,  made  these  chiefs  contend; 
And  each  brave  foe  was  in  his  soul  a  friend.'  " 

With  that,  a  sword  with  stars  of  silver  graced, 
The  baldric  sXudded,  and  the  sheath  enchased. 
He  gave  the  Greek.     The  generous  Greek  bestow'd 
A  radiant  belt  that  rich  with  purple  glow'd. 
Then  with  majestic  grace  they  quit  the  plain; 
This  seeks  the  Grecian,  that  the  Phrygian  train. 

The  Trojan  bands  returning  Hector  wait. 
And  hail  with  joy  the  Champion  of  their  state; 
Escaped  great  Ajax,  they  survey  him  round. 
Alive,  unarnrd,  and  vigorous  from  his  wound; 
To  Troy's  high  gates  the  godlike  man  they  bear 
Their  i)resent  triumph,  as  their  late  despair. 

liut  Ajax,  glorying  in  his  hardy  deed, 
The  well-ann'd  Greeks  to  Agamemnon  lead. 
A  steer  for  sacrifice  the  king  dcsign'd. 
Of  full  ^\\G  years,  and  of  the  nobler  kind. 
'JMie  victim  falls;  they  strip  the  smoking  hide, 
Tiie  beast  they  quarter,  and  the  joints  divide; 
Then  spread  the  tables,  the  repast  jjroparo. 
Each  takes  his  sr-at,  aiul  each  receives  his  share. 
The  king  hiniscilf  (an  honorary  sign) 
Before  great  Ajax  placed  the  mighty  chine.* 


*  It  was  an  ancient  style  of  compliment  to  give  a  larger  portion 
of  food  to  the  conqueror,  or  person  to  whom   resepct  was  lo  be 


204  THE  ILIAD. 

When  now  the  rage  of  hunger  was  removed, 
Nestor,  in  each  persuasive  art  approved, 
The  sage  whose  counsels  long  had  sway'd  the  rest, 
In  words  like  these  his  prudent  thought  express'd: 

"How  dear,  0  kings!  this  fatal  day  has  cost. 
What  Greeks  are  perish'd!  what  a  people  lost! 
What  tides  of  blood  have  drench'd  Scamander's  shore! 
What  crowds  of  heroes  sunk  to  rise  no  more! 
Then  hear  me,  chief!  nor  let  tlie  morrow's  light 
Awake  thy  squadrons  to  new  toils  of  fight: 
Some  space  at  least  permit  the  war  to  breathe, 
While  we  to  liames  our  slaughter'd  friends  bequeath, 
From  the  red  field  their  scatter'd  bodies  bear. 
And  nigh  the  fleet  a  funeral  structure  rear; 
So  decent  urns  their  snowy  bones  may  keep. 
And  pious  children  o'er  their  ashes  weep. 
Here,  where  on  one  promiscuous  pile  they  blazed, 
High  o'er  them  all  a  general  tomb  be  raised; 
Next,  to  secure  our  camp  and  naval  powers, 
Eaise  an  embattled  wall,  with  lofty  towers; 
From  space  to  space  be  ample  gates  around, 
For  passing  chariots;  and  a  trench  profound. 
So  Greece  to  combat  shall  in  safety  go. 
Nor  fear  the  fierce  incursions  of  the  foe." 
'Twas  thus  the  sage  his  wholesome  counsel  moved; 
The  sceptred  kings  of  Greece  his  words  approved. 

Meanwhile,  convened  at  Priam's  palace-gate, 
The  Trojan  peers  in  nightly  council  sate; 
A  senate  void  of  order,  as  of  choice: 
Their  hearts  were  fearful,  and  confused  their  voice,, 
Antenor,  rising,  thus  demands  their  ear: 
"Ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  auxiliars,  hear. 
'Tis  heaven  the  counsel  of  my  breast  inspires, 
And  I  but  move  what  every  god  requires: 
Let  Sparta's  treasures  be  this  hour  restored, 
And  Argive  Helen  own  her  ancient  lord. 
The  ties  of  faith,  the  sworn  alliance,  broke, 
Our  impious  battles  the  just  gods  provoke. 
As  this  advice  ye  practise,  or  reject, 
So  hope  success,  or  dread  the  dire  eifect." 

The  senior  spoke  and  sate.     To  whom  I'eplied 
The  graceful  husband  of  the  Spartan  bride: 

shown.     See  Virg.  ^n.  viii.  181.     Thus  Benjamin  was  honored 
with  a  "double  portion."     Gen.  xliii.  34, 


THE  ILIAD.  205 

"Cold  conusels,  Trojan,  may  become  thy  years, 
But  sound  ungrateful  in  a  warrior's  ears: 
Old  man,  if  void  of  fallacy  or  art, 
Thy  words  express  the  purpose  of  thy  heart, 
Thou,  in  thy  time,  more  sound  advice  hast  given; 
But  wisdom  has  its  date,  assign'd  by  heaven. 
Then  hear  me,  princes  of  the  Trojan  name! 
Their  treasures  I'll  restore,  but  not  the  dame; 
My  treasures  too,  for  peace,  I  will  resign ; 
But  be  this  bright  possession  ever  mine." 

'Twas  then,  the  growing  discord  to  compose, 
Slow  from  his  seat  the  reverend  Priam  rose: 
His  godlike  aspect  deep  attention  drew: 
He  paused,  and  these  pacific  words  ensue: 

"Ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  auxiliar  bands! 
Now  take  refreshment  as  the  hour  demands; 
Guard  well  the  walls,  relieve  the  watch  of  night. 
Till  the  new  sun  restores  tlie  cheerful  light. 
Then  shall  our  herald,  to  the  Atrides  sent, 
Before  their  ships  proclaim  my  son's  intent. 
Next  let  a  truce  be  ask'd,  that  Troy  may  burn 
Her  slaughter'd  heroes,  and  their  bones  inurn; 
That  done,  once  more  the  fate  of  war  be  tried, 
And  whose  the  conquest,  mighty  Jove  decide!" 

The  monarch  spoke:  the  warriors  snatch'd  with  haste 
(Each  at  his  post  in  arms)  a  short  repast. 
Soon  as  the  rosy  morn  hail  waked  the  day, 
'J'o  the  black  ships  Idanis  bent  his  way; 
There,  to  the  sons  of  Mars,  iji  council  found, 
He  raised  his  voice:  the  host  stood  listening  round, 

"Ye  sons  of  Atreus,  and  ye  Greeks,  give  ear! 
The  words  of  Troy,  and  Troy's  great  monarch,  liear. 
Pleased  may  ye  hear  (so  heaven  succeed  my  prayers) 
AVhat  Paris,  author  of  the  war,  declares. 
The  spoils  and  treasures  he  to  llion  bore 
(Oh  had  he  perish 'd  ere  they  touch 'd  our  shore!) 
He  proffers  injui'ed  Greece:  with  large  increase 
Of  added  I'rojan  wealth  to  buy  the  jieace. 
]Jut  to  restore  the  beauteous  bride  again, 
'^riiis  Greece  demands,  and  Troy  rofjuests  in  vain. 
Next,  O  ye  chiefs!  wo  ask  a  truce  to  burn 
Our  slaughter'd  heroes,  and  their  bones  inurn. 
That  done,  once  more  the  fate  of  war  be  tried, 
And  whose  the  conquest,  mighty  Jove  decide!" 


206 


THE  ILIAD. 


The  Greeks  gave  ear,  but  none  the  silence  broke; 
At  length  Aydides  rose,  and  rising  spoke: 
"Oh,  fake  not,  friends!  defranded  of  your  fame. 
Their  profEer'd  wealth,  nor  even  the  Spartan  dame. 
Let  conquest  make  them  ours:  fate  shakes  their  wall, 
And  Troy  already  totters  to  her  fall." 

The  admiring  chiefs,  and  all  the  Grecian  name, 
With  general  shouts  return'd  him  loud  acclaim. 
Then  thus  the  king  of  kings  rejects  the  peace: 
"Herald!  in  him  thou  hear'st  the  voice  of  Greece 
For  what  remains;  let  funeral  flames  be  fed 
With  heroes'  corps;  I  war  not  with  the  dead: 
Go  search  your  slaughter'd  chiefs  on  yonder  plain, 
And  gratify  the  manes  of  the  slain. 
Be  witness,  Jove,  whose  thunder  rolls  on  high!" 
He  said,  and  rear'd  his  sceptre  to  the  sky. 

To  sacred  Troy,  where  all  her  princes  lay, 
To  wait  the  event,  the  herald  bent  his  way. 
He  oame,  and  standing  in  the  midst,  explain'd 
The  peace  rejected,  but  the  truce  obtain'd. 
Straight  to  their  several  cares  the  Trojans  move. 
Some  search  the  plains,  some  fell  the  sounding  grove: 
Nor  less  the  Greeks,  descending  on  the  shore, 
Hew'd  the  green  forests,  and  the  bodies  bore. 
And  now  from  forth  the  chambers  of  the  main, 
To  shed  his  sacred  light  on  earth  again, 
Arose  the  golden  chariot  of  the  day. 
And  tipp'd  the  mountains  with  a  purple  ray.  _ 
In  mingled  throngs  the  Greek  and  Trojan  train 
Through  heaps  of  carnage  search 'd  the  mournful  plain. 
Scarce  could  the  friend  his  slaughter'd  friend  explore. 
With  dust  dishonor'd,  and  deformed  with  gore. 
The  wounds  they  wash'd,  their  pious  tears  they  shed, 
And,  laid  along  their  cars,  deplored  the  dead. 
Sage  Priam  check'd  their  grief:  with  silent  haste 
The  bodies  decent  on  the  piles  were  placed: 
With  melting  hearts  the  cold  remains  they  burn'd, 
And,  sadly  slow,  to  sacred  Troy  return'd. 
Nor  less  the  Greeks  their  pious  sorrows  shed, 
And  decent  on  the  pile  dispose  the  dead; 
The  cold  remains  consume  with  equal  care; 
And  slowly,  sadly,  to  their  fleet  repair. 
Now,  ere  the  morn  had  streak'd  with  reddening  light 
The  doubtful  contines  of  the  day  and  night, 


THE  ILIAD.  207 

About  the  dying  flames  the  Greeks  appear'd, 
And  round  the  pile  a  general  tomb  they  rear'd. 
Then,  to  secure  the  camp  and  naval  powers, 
They  raised  embattled  walls  with  lofty  towers:* 
From  space  to  space  were  ample  gates  around, 
For  passing  chariots,  and  a  trench  profound 
Of  large  extent',  aud  deep  in  earth  below. 
Strong  piles  infix'd  stood  adverse  to  the  foe. 

So  toil'd  the  Greeks:  meanwhile  the  gods  above 
In  shining  circle  round  their  father  Jove, 
Amazed  beheld  the  wondrous  works  of  man : 
Then  he,  whose  trident  shakes  the  earth,  began: 

"What  mortals  henceforth  shall  our  power  adore, 
Our  fanes  frequent,  our  oracles  implore, 
If  the  proud  Grecians  thus  successful  boast 
Their  rising  bulwarks  on  the  sea-beat  coast? 
See  the  long  walls  extending  to  the  main, 
No  god  consulted,  and  no  victim  slain! 
Their  fame  shall  fill  the  world's  remotest  ends, 
Wide  as  the  morn  her  golden  beam  extends; 
While  old  Laoniedon's  divine  abodes. 
Those  radiant  structures  raised  by  laboring  gods. 
Shall,  razed  and  lost,  in  long  oblivion  sleep." 
Thus  spoke  tiie  hoary  monarch  of  the  deep. 

The  almighty  Thunderer  with  a  frown  replies. 
That  clouds  the  world,  and  blackens  half  the  skies: 
"Strong  god  of  ocea)iI  thou,  whose  rage  can  make 
The  solid  earth's  eternal  basis  shake! 
What  cause  of  fear  from  mortal  works  could  movef 
The  meanest  subject  of  our  realms  above? 

*  Emhdttled  wallx.  "Another  essential  basis  of  niecbauical 
unity  in  the  poem  is  tiie  construction  of  the  rampart,  'i'his  takes 
place  in  the  seventh  book.  The  reason  ascribed  for  the  gUiring 
improbability  that  the  (Jreeks  should  have  left  their  camp  aud  lleet 
unfortified  during  nine  years  in  the  midst  of  a  hostile  country,  is 
a  purely  poetical  one:  '  So  long  as  Achilles  fought,  the  terror  of 
his  name  sutficed  to  keep  every  foe  at  a  distance.'  'i'he  disasters 
consecpicnt  on  his  secession  first  led  to  tlie  necessity  of  other 
means  of  i)roti'Ctiou.  Accordingly,  in  tlie  i)attles  [)revi()us  to  the 
eighth  book,  no  allusion  occurs  to  a  rampart;  in  all  those  wliich 
follow  it  forms  a  i)romin(;nt  feature.  Here,  then,  in  the  anomaly 
as  in  the  propriety  of  the  Iliad,  tlie  destiny  of  Achilles,  or  ratiier 
this  peculiar  crisis  of  it,  forms  tin;  pervading  bond  of  connectioa 
to  tlie  whole  poem." — Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  207. 

•j-  What  cfiiixr  offii/r,  etc. 

'•  Seest  thou  not  this  V  or  do  W(^  fear  in  vain 
Thy  boa.sted  thunders,  and  thy  thoughtless  reign?" 

— Drydeu's  Virgil,  iv.  304. 


208  THE  ILIAD. 

Wliere'er  the  sun's  refulgent  rays  are  cast, 

Thy  power  is  honor'd,  and  thy  fame  shall  last. 

But  yon  proud  work  no  future  age  shall  view, 

No  trace  remain  where  once  the  glory  grew. 

The  sapp'd  foundations  by  thy  force  shall  fall, 

And,  wliehn'd  beneath  thy  waves,  drop  the  huge  wall; 

Vast  drifts  of  sand  shall  change  the  former  shore; 

The  ruin  vanish'd,  and  the  name  no  more." 

Thus  they  in  heaven:  while,  o'er  the  Grecian  train. 
The  rolling  sun  descending  to  the  main 
Beheld  the  finish'd  work.     Their  bulls  they  slew; 
Black  from  their  tents  the  savory  vapor  flew. 
And  now  the  fleet,  arrived  from  fjemnos'  strands. 
With  Bacchus'  blessings  cheered  the  generous  bauds. 
Of  fragrant  wines  the  rich  Eunaius  sent 
A  thousand  measures  to  the  royal  tent. 
(Eunasus,  whom  Hypsipyle  of  yore 
To  Jason,  shepherd  of  his  people,  bore.) 
The  rest  they  purchased  at  their  proper  cost. 
And  well  the  plenteous  freight  supplied  the  host: 
Each,  in  exchange,  proportion'd  treasures  gave;* 
Some,  brass  or  iron;  some,  0,n  ox  or  slave. 
All  night  they  feast,  the  Greek  and  Trojan  powers; 
Those  on  the  fields,  and  these  within  their  towers. 
But  Jove  averse  the  signs  of  wrath  displayed. 
And  shot  red  lightnings  through  the  gloomy  shade: 
Humbled  they  stood;  pale  horror  seized  on  all, 
While  the  deep  thunder  shook  the  aerian  hall. 
Each  pour'd  to  Jove  before  the  bowl  was  crown 'd; 
And  large  libations  drench'd  the  thirsty  ground: 
Then  late,  refreshed  with  sleep  from  toils  of  fight, 
Enjoy'd  the  balmy  blessings  of  the  night. 

*  In  exchange.  These  lines  are  referred  to  by  TheopLilus,  the 
Roman  lawyer,  ii.  tit.  xxiii.  §  1,  as  exhibiting  the  most  ancient 
mention  of  barter. 


TEE  ILIAD.  209 


BOOK  VIII. 

AEGU^IENT 


THE   SECOND   BATTLE,    AXD   THE   DISTRESS   OF  THE 

GREEKS. 

Jupiter  assembles  a  council  of  tlie  deities,  and  threatens  tbem 
with  the  pains  of  Tartarus  if  they  assist  either  side:  Minerva 
only  obtains  of  him  that  she  may  direct  the  Greeks  by  her 
counsels.  The  armies  join  battle:  Jupiter  on  Mount  Ida 
weighs  in  his  balances  the  fates  of  both,  and  affrights  the 
Greeks  with  his  thunders  and  lightnings.  Nestor  alone  con- 
tinues in  the  field  in  great  danger;  Diomed  relieves  him; 
whose  exploits,  and  those  of  Hector,  are  excellently  described. 
Juno  endeavors  to  animate  Neptune  to  the  assi-stance  of  the 
Greeks,  but  in  vain.  The  acts  of  Teucer,  who  is  at  length 
wounded  by  Hector,  and  carried  off.  Juno  and  Minerva  pre- 
pare to  aid  the  (irecians,  Ijut  are  restrained  by  Iris,  sent 
from  Jupiter.  The  niglit  puts  an  end  to  the  battle.  Hector 
continues  in  the  field  (the  Greeks  being  diiven  to  their  forti- 
fications before  the  ships),  and  gives  orders  to  keep  the  watch 
all  night  in  the  camji,  to  ])revent  the  enemy  from  re-embark- 
ing and  esra])ing  by  flight.  They  kindle  tires  through  all 
the  fields,  and  ])ass  tlie  niglit  under  arms. 

The  time  of  seven  and  twenty  days  is  emi)loyed  from  the 
opening  of  the  j)oeni  ta  the  end  of  this  book.  The  scene  here 
(except  of  the  celestial  machines)  lies  in  the  field  toward  the 
seashore. 

AuHOR.\  now,  fair  daugliter  of  the  dawn, 
Sprinkled  witii  rosy  light  the  dewy  hiwn; 
When  Jove  convened  the  senate  of  the  skies, 
AViiere  iiigli  Olympus'  cloudy  tops  arise. 
The  sire  of  g<jdri  his  awful  silence  hroko; 
The  heavens  attentive  trembled  as  he  spoke:* 

*  ''A  similar  bond  of  connection,  in  the  military  details  of  the 
narrative,  is  the  decree  issued  by  Jupiter,  at  the  cunimcncement 
of  the  eighth  bof)l<,  against  any  furtber  inliMffrcnce  of  tht;  gods 
in  tlie  l)attles.  In  tlie  f)|)ening  nf  tin;  twcntiitli  book  this  inter- 
dict is  witlidrawn.  During  tlic  twelve  intermediate  books  it  is 
kept  steadily  in  view.  No  interpo.sition  takes  place  but  on  the 
part  of  the  specially  authorized  agents  of  Jove,  or  on  that  of  one 


210  THE  ILIAD. 

"Celestial  states!  immortal  gods!  give  ear, 
Hear  our  decree,  and  reverence  what  ye  hear; 
The  fix'd  decree  which  not  all  heaven  can  move; 
Thou,  fate!  fulfill  it!  and,  ye  powers,  approve! 
What  god  hut  enters  yon  forhidden  field. 
Who  yields  assistance,  or  but  wills  to  yield. 
Back  to  the  skies  with  shame  he  shall  be  driven, 
Gash'd  with  dishonest  wounds,  the  scorn  of  heaven: 
Or  far,  oh  far,  from  steep  Olympus  thrown. 
Low  in  the  dark  Tartarean  gulf  shall  groan, 
With  burning  chains  fix'd  to  the  brazen  floors. 
And  lock'd  by  hell's  inexorable  doors; 
As  deep  beneath  the  infernal  centre  hurl'd,* 
As  from  that  centre  to  the  ethereal  world. 
Let  him  who  tempts  me,  dread  those  dire  abodes: 
And  know,  the  Almighty  is  the  god  of  gods. 
League  all  your  forces,  then,  ye  powers  above, 
Join  all,  and  try  the  omnipotence  of  Jove. 
Let  down  our  golden  everlasting  chainf 

or  two  contumacious  deities,  described  as  boldly  setting  Lis  com- 
mands at  defiance,  but  checked  and  reprimanded  for  their  dis- 
obedience; while  the  other  divine  warriors,  who  in  the  previous 
and  subsequent  cantos  are  so  active  in  support  of  their  favorite 
heroes,  repeatedly  allude  to  the  supreme  edict  as  the  cause  of 
their  present  inactivity." — Mure,  vol.  i.  ji.  257.  See,  however, 
Mliller,  "  Greek  Literature,"  ch.  v.  §  6,  and  Grote,  vol.  ii.  p.  253. 
*"  As  far  removed  from  God  and  light  of  heaven. 
As  from  the  center  thrice  to  th'  utmost  pole." 

— "  Paradise  Lost." 
"  E  quanto  e  da  le  stelle  al  basso  inferno, 
Tanto  e  piu  in  su  de  la  stellata  spera." 

— Gier.  Lib.  i.  7. 
"Some  of  the  epithets  which  Homer  applies  to  the  heavens 
seem  to  imply  that  he  considered  it  as  a  solid  vault  of  metal.  But 
it  is  not  necessary  to  construe  these  epithets  eo  literally,  nor  to 
draw  any  such  inference  from  his  description  of  Atlas,  who  holds 
the  lofty  pillars  which  keep  earth  and  heaven  asunder.  Yet  it 
would  seem,  from  the  manner  in  which  the -height  of  heaven  is 
compared  with  the  depth  of  Tartarus,  that  the  region  of  light  was 
thought  to  have  certain  bounds.  The  summit  of  the  Thessalian 
Olympus  was  regarded  as  the  highest  point  on  the  earth,  and  it  is 
not  always  carefully  distinguished  from  the  aerian  regions  above. 
The  idea  of  a  seat  of  the  gods — perhaps  derived  from  a  more 
ancient  tradition,  it  which  it  was  not  attached  to  any  geographical 
site — seems  to  be  indistinctly  blended  in  the  poet's  mind  with  that 
of  the  real  mountain." — Thirlwall's  Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  217,  sq. 
f  "  Now  lately  heav'n,  earth,  another  world 

Hung  o'er  my  realm,  link'd  in  a  golden  chain 
To  that  side  heav'n." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  ii.  ]004. 


THE  ILIAD.  211 

Whose  strong  embrace  holds  heaven,  and  earth,  and 

main. 
Strive  all,  of  mortal  and  immortal  birth, 
To  drag,  by  this,  the  Thunderer  down  to  earth: 
Ye  strive  in  vain!  if  I  but  stretch  this  hand, 
I  heave  the  gods,  the  ocean,  and  the  land; 
I  fix  the  chain  to  great  Olympus'  height. 
And  the  vast  world  hangs  trembling  in  my  sight! 
For  such  I  reign,  unbounded  and  above; 
And  such  are  men,  and  gods,  compared  to  Jove." 

The  all-mighty  spoke,  nor  durst  the  powers  reply: 
A  reverend  horror  silenced  all  the  sky; 
Trembling  they  stood  before  their  sovereign's  look; 
At  length  his  best-beloved,  the  power  of  wisdom,  spoke: 

"0  first  and  greatesti  God,  by  gods  adored! 
We  own  thy  might,  our  father  and  our  lord! 
But,  ah!  permit  to  pity  human  state: 
If  not  to  help,  at  least  lament  their  fate. 
From  fields  forbidden  we  submiss  refrain, 
With  arms  unaidino;  mourn  our  Arsfives  slain; 
Yet  grant  ray  counsels  still  their  breasts  may  move, 
Or  all  must  perish  in  the  wrath  of  Jove." 

The  cloud-compelling  god  her  suit  approved, 
And  smiled  superior  on  his  best  beloved; 
Then  call'd  his  coursers,  and  his  chariot  took; 
The  steadfast  firmament  beneath  them  shook: 
Rapt  by  the  ethereal  steeds  the  chariot  roU'd; 
Brass  were  their  hoofs,  their  curling  manes  of  gold: 
Of  heaven's  uiidrossy  gold  the  gods  array, 
Kefulgent,  fia.sh'd  intolerable  day. 
Higli  on  the  throne  he  shines:  his  coursers  fly 
Between  tiie  extended  earth  and  starry  sky. 
But  when  to  Ida's  topmost  hciglit  ho  came, 
(Fair  nurse  of  fountains,  and  of  savage  game). 
Where  o'er  her  pointed  summits  proudly  raised. 
His  fane  breathed  odors,  and  his  altar  blazed: 
There,  from  his  radiant  car,  the  sacred  sire 
Of  gods  and  men  released  the  steeds  of  fire: 
Blue  anibiciit  mists  the  immortal  steeds  embraced; 
High  on  tli(!  cloudy  })oint  Jiis  seat  he  placed; 
Thence  his  broad  eye  the  subject  world  surveys, 
The  town,  and  tents,  and  navigable  seas. 

Now  had  the  Grecians  snatcli'd  a  short  repast. 
And  buckled  on  their  shining  arms  with  haste. 


212  THE  ILIAD. 

Troy  roused  as  soou;  for  ou  this  dreadfal  day 

The  fate  of  fathers,  wives,  and  infants  h^y. 

The  gates  unfolding  pour  forth  all  their  train; 

Squadrons  on  squadrons  cloud  the  dusky  plain. 

Men,  steeds,  and  chariots  shake  the  trembling  ground: 

The  tumult  thickens,  and  the  skies  resound; 

And  now  with  shouts  the  shocking  armies  closed, 

To  lances  lances,  shields  to  sliields  opposed. 

Host  against  host  with  shadowy  legends  drew, 

The  sounding  darts  in  iron  tempests  flew; 

Victors  and  vanquish'd  Join  promiscuous  cries, 

Triumphant  shouts  and  dying  groans  arise; 

AVith  streaming  blood  the  slippery  fields  are  dyed, 

And  slaughter'd  heroes  swell  the  dreadful  tide. 

Long  as  the  morning  beams,  increasing  bright. 

O'er  heaven's  clear  azure  spread  the  sacred  light, 

Commutual  death  the  fate  of  war  confounds, 

Each  adverse  battle  gored  with  equal  wounds. 

But  when  the  sun  the  height  of  heaven  ascends, 

The  sire  of  gods  his  golden  scales  suspends,* 

With  equal  hand:  in  these  explored  the  fate 

Of  Greece  and  Troy,  and  poised  the  mighty  weight: 

Press'd  with  its  load,  the  Grecian  balance  lies 

Low  sunk  on  earth,  the  Trojan  strikes  the  skies. 

Then  Jove  from  Ida's  top  his  horrors  spreads; 

The  clouds  burst  dreadful  o'er  the  Grecian  heads; 

Thick  lightnings  flash;  the  muttering  thunder  rolls; 

Their  strength  he  withers,  and  unmans  their  souls. 

Before  his  wrath  the  trembling  hosts  retire; 

The  gods  in  terrors,  and  the  skies  on  fire. 

*  His  golden  scales. 

"  Jove  now,  sole  arbiter  of  peace  and  war, 
Held  forth  the  fatal  balance  from  afar; 
Eacli  host  he  weighs;  by  turns  they  both  prevail, 
Till  Troy  descending  fix'd  the  doubtful  scale." 

— Merrick's  Tryphiodorus,  v.  687,  sqq. 

"  Oh,  Eternal,  to  prevent  such  horrid  fray. 
Hung  forth  in  heav'n  his  golden  scales. 
Wherein  all  things  created  first  he  weighed; 
The  pendulous  round  earth,  with  balanced  air 
In  counterpoise;  now  ponders  all  events, 
Battles  and  realms.     In  these  he  puts  two  weights, 
The  sequel  each  of  parting  and  of  fight; 
The  latter  quick  up  flew,  and  kick'd  the  beam." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  996. 


I 


THE  ILIAD.  213 

Nor  great  Idomeueiis  that  sight  could  bear, 

Nor  each  stern  Ajax,  thunderbolts  of  war: 

Nor  he,  the  king  of  war,  tlie  alarm  sustain'd 

Nestor  alone,  amidst  the  storm  remaiu'd. 

Unwilling  he  remain'd,  for  Paris'  dart 

Had  pierced  his  courser  in  a  mortal  part; 

Fix'd  in  the  forehead,  were  the  springing  mane 

Cnrl'd  o'er  the  brow,  it  stung  him  to  the  brain; 

Mad  with  his  anguish,  he  begins  to  rear, 

Paw  with  his  hoofs  aloft,  and  lash  the  air. 

Scarce  had  his  falchion  cut  the  reins,  and  freed 

The  encumber'd  chariot  from  the  dying  steed, 

When  dreadful  Hector,  thundering  through  the  war, 

Pour'd  to  the  tumult  on  his  whirling  car. 

That  day  had  stretch'd  beneath  his  matchless  hand 

The  hoary  monarch  of  the  Pylian  band, 

But  Diomed  beheld;  from  forth  the  crowd 

He  rush'd,  and  on  Ulysses  call'd  aloud: 

"Whither,  oh  whither  does  Ulysses  run? 
Oh,  flight  unworthy  great  Laertes'  son! 
Mix'd  with  the  vulgar  shall  thy  fate  be  found, 
Pierced  in  the  back,  a  vile,  dishonest  wound? 
Oh  turn  and  save  from  Hector's  direful  rage 
The  glory  of  the  Greeks,  the  Pylian  sage." 
His  fruitful  words  are  lost  unheard  in  air, 
Ulysses  seeks  the  ships,  and  shelters  there. 
But  bold  Tydides  to  the  rescue  goes, 
A  single  warrior  midst  a  host  of  foes; 
Before  the  coursers  with  a  sudden  spring 
He  leap'd,  and  anxious  thus  bespoke  the  king: 

"Great  perils,  father!  wait  the  unequal  tight; 
Tiieso  younger  champions  will  oppress  thy  might. 
Thy  veins  no  more  with  ancient  vigor  glow. 
Weak  is  thy  servant,  and  thy  coursers  slow. 
Then  haste,  ascend  my  seat,  and  from  the  car 
Observe  the  steeds  of  Tros,  renown'd  in  war, 
Practised  alike  to  turn,  to  stop,  to  chase. 
To  dare  the  light,  or  urge  the  I'apid  race: 
These  late  obey'd  ^lilneas'  guiding  rein; 
Loave  thoi;  thy  chariot  to  our  faithful  train; 
With  these  against  yon  Trojans  will  we  go, 
Nor  shall  great  Ilootor  want  an  equal  foe; 
Fierce  as  he  is,  even  lie  may  learn  to  fear 
The  thirsty  fury  of  my  flying  spear." 


214  THE  ILIAD. 

Thus  said  the  chief;  and  Nestor,  skill'd  in  war, 
Approves  his  counsel,  and  ascends  the  car: 
The  steeds  he  left,  their  trusty  servants  hold; 
Eurymedon,  and  Sthenelus  the  bold: 
The  reverend  charioteer  directs  the  course, 
And  strains  his  aged  arm  to  lash  the  horse. 
Hector  they  face;  unknowing  how  to  fear, 
Fierce  he  drove  on;  Tydides  whirl'd  his  spear. 
The  spear  with  erring  haste  mistook  its  way, 
But  plunged  in  Eniopeus'  bosom  lay. 
His  opening  hand  in  death  forsakes  the  rein; 
Tlie  steeds  fly  back:  he  falls,  and  spurns  the  plain. 
Great  Hector  sorrows  for  his  servant  kill'd, 
Yet  unrevenged  permits  to  press  the  field; 
Till,  to  supply  his  place  and  rule  the  car, 
Eose  Archeptolemus,  the  fierce  in  war. 
And  now  had  death  and  horror  cover'd  all;* 
Like  timorous  flocks  the  Trojans  in  their  wall 
Inclosed  had  bled:  but  Jove  with  awful  sound 
Eoll'd  the  big  thunder  o'er  the  vast  profound: 
Full  in  Tydides'  face  the  lightning  flew; 
The  ground  before  him  flamed  witii  sulphur  blue; 
The  quivering  steeds  fell  prostrate  at  the  sight; 
And  Nestor's  trembling  hand  confessed  his  fright: 
He  dropp'd  the  reins:  and,  shook  with  sacred  dread, 
Thus,  turning,  warn'd  the  intrepid  Diomed: 

"0  chief!  too  daring  in  tliy  friend's  defence 
Eetire  advised,  and  urge  the  chariot  hence. 
This  day,  averse,  the  sovereign  of  the  skies 
Assists  great  Hector  and  ow  palm  denies. 
Some  other  sou  may  see  the  happier  hour. 
When  Greece  shall  conquer  by  his  heavenly  power. 
'Tis  not  in  man  his  fix'd  decree  to  move: 
The  great  will  glory  to  submit  to  Jove." 

"0  reverend  prince!  (Tydides  thus  replies) 
Thy  years  are  awful,  and  tliy  words  are  wise. 
But  ah,  what  grief!  should  haughty  Hector  boast 
I  fled  inglorious  to  the  guarded  coast. 
Before  that  dire  disgrace  shall  blast  my  fame. 


*  A  nd  now,  etc. 

"  And  now  all  Leaven 
Had  gone  to  wrack,  with  ruin  overspread; 
Had  not  th'  Almighty  Father,  where  he  sits 
foreseen  '* 

[— "  Paradise  Lost,"  vi.  C69. 


TEE  ILIAD.  215 

O'erwhelui  me,  earth;  and  bide  a  warrior's  shame!" 

To  whom  Gereuian  Nestor  thus  replied:* 

"Gods!  cau  thy  courage  fear  the  Phrygian's  pride? 

Hector  may  vaunt,  but  who  shall  heed  the  boast? 

Not  those  who  felt  thy  arm,  the  Dardan  host, 

Nor  Troy,  yet  bleeding  iu  her  heroes  lost; 

Not  even  a  Phrygian  dame,  who  dreads  the  sword 

That  laid  iu  dust  her  loved,  lamented  lord." 

He  said,  and,  hasty,  o'er  the  gasping  throng 

Drives  the  swifr.  steeds:  the  chariot  smokes  along; 

The  shouts  of  Trojans  thicken  in  the  wind; 

The  storm  of  hissing  javelins  pours  behind. 

Then  with  a  voice  that  shakes  the  solid  skies, 

Pleased,  Hector  braves  the  warrior  as  he  flies. 

"Go,  mighty  hero!  graced  above  the  rest 

In  seats  of  council  and  the  sumptuous  feast: 

Now  hope  no  more  those  honors  from  thy  train; 

Go  less  than  women,  in  the  form  ofman! 

To  scale  our  walls,  to  wrap  our  towers  in  flames, 

To  lead  in  exile  the  fair  PJirygian  dames. 

Thy  once  proud  hopes,  presumptuous  prince!  are  fled; 

This  arm  shall  reach  thy  heart,  and  stretch  thee  dead." 

Now  fears  dissuade  him,  and  now  hopes  invite, 
To  stop  his  coursers,  and  to  stand  the  light; 
Thrice  turn'd  the  chief,  nnd  thrice  imperial  Jove 
On  Ida's  summits  thuuder'd  from  above. 
Great  Hector  heard;  he  saw  the  flashing  light, 
(The  sign  of  conquest,)  and  thus  urged  the  fight 

"Hoar,  every  Trojan,  Lycian,  Dardan  band, 
All  famed  in  war,  and  dreadful  hand  to  hand. 
Be  mindful  of  the  wreaths  your  arms  have  won, 
Your  great  forefathers'  glories,  and  your  own. 
Heard  ye  the  voice  of  Jove?     Success  and  fame 
Await  on  Troy,  on  Greece  eternal  shame. 
In  vain  they  skulk  behind  their  boasted  wall, 
Weak  bulwarks;  destined  by  this  arm  to  fall. 
High  o'er  their  slighted  trencli  our  steeds  shall  bound, 
And  pass  victorious  o'er  the  lovell'd  mound. 
Soon  as  before  yon  hollow  ships  wo  stand, 
Fight  each  with  flames,  and  toss  the  blazing  brand; 


*  Gereuian  Nentor.  Tlie  epithet  Gereuian  eitlicjr  refers  to  the 
name  of  a  [)hir,c  in  which  Ne.stor  was  educated,  or  merely  si<^iii(ics 
lionored,  revered.  See  Schol.  Vinet.  in  11.  li  33(5;  ytrabo,  viii. 
p.  340. 


216  THE  ILIAD. 

Till,  their  proud  navy  wrapt  in  smoke  and  fires. 
All  Greece,  encompass'd,  in  one  blaze  expires." 

Furious  he  said;  then  bending  o'er  the  yoke, 
Encouraged  his  proud  steeds,  while  thus  he  spoke: 

"Now,  Xanthus,  ^thou,  Lampus,  urge  tbe  chase, 
And  thou,  Podargus!  prove  thy  generous  race; 
Be  fleet,  bo  fearless,  this  important  day. 
And  all  your  master's  well-spent  care  repay. 
For  this,  high-fed,  in  plenteous  stalls  ye  stand, 
Served  with  pure  wheat,  and  by  a  princess'  hand; 
For  this  my  spouse,  of  great  Action's  line, 
So  oft  has  steep'd  the  strengthening  grain  in  "wlne. 
Now  swift  pursue,  now  thunder  uncontroll'd: 
Give  me  to  seize  rich  Nestor's  shield  of  gold; 
From  Tydeus'  shoulders  strip  the  costly  load, 
Vulcanian  arms,  the  labor  of  a  god : 
These  if  we  gain,  then  victory,  ye  powers! 
This  night,  this  glorious  night,  the  fleet  is  ours!" 

That  heard,  deep  anguish  stung  Saturnia's  soul; 
She  shook  her  throne,  that  shook  the  starry  pole: 
And  thus  to  Neptune:  "Thou,  whose  force  can  make 
The  steadfast  earth  from  her  foundations  shake, 
Seest  thou  the  Greeks  by  fates  unjust  oppress'd. 
Nor  swells  thy  heart  in  that  immortal  breast? 
Yet  Mg?8,  Helice,  thy  power  obey,* 
And  gifts  unceasing  on  thine  altars  lay. 
Would  all  the  deities  of  Greece  combine. 
In  vain  the  gloomy  Thunderer  might  repine: 
Sole  should  he  sit,  with  scarce  a  god  to  friend, 
And  see  his  Trojans  to  the  shades  descend: 
Such  be  the  scene  from  his  Idiean  bower; 
Ungrateful  prospect  to  the  sullen  power!" 

Neptune  with  wrath  rejects  the  rash  design: 
"What  rage,  what  madness,  furious  queen!  is  thine? 
I  war  not  with  the  highest.     All  above 
Submit  and  tremble  at  the  hand  of  Jove." 

Now  godlike  Hector,  to  whose  matchless  might 
Jove  gave  the  glory  of  the  destined  fight. 
Squadrons  on  squadrons  drives,  and  fills  the  fields 
With  close-ranged  chariots,  and  with  thicken'd  shields. 
Where  the  deep  trencli  in  length  extended  lay. 
Compacted  troops  stand  wedged  in  firm  array, 

*  ^gm,  Helice.     Both  these  towns  were  conspicuous  for  their 
worship  of  Neptune. 


THE  ILIAD.  217 

A  dreadful  front!  they  shake  the  brands,  and  tlireat 
With  long-destroying  flames  the  hostile  fleet. 
The  king  of  men,  by  Juno's  self  inspired, 
Toil'd  through  the  tents,  and  all  his  army  fired. 
Swift  as  he  moved,  he  lifted  in  his  hand 
His  purple  robe,  bright  ensign  of  command. 
High  on  the  midmost  bark  the  king  appear'd: 
There,  from  Ulysses'  deck,  his  voice  was  heard: 
To  Ajax  and  Achilles  reach'd  the  sound. 
Whose  distant  ships  the  guarded  navy  bound. 
"0  ArgivesI  shame  of  human  race!  (he  cried: 
The  hollow  vessels  to  his  voice  replied,) 
Where  now  are  all  your  glorious  boasts  of  yore, 
Your  hasty  triumphs  on  the  Lemnian  shore? 
Each  fearless  hero  dares  a  hundred  foes, 
While  the  feast  lasts,  and  while  the  goblet  flows; 
But  who  to  meet  one  martial  man  is  found, 
When  the  fight  rages,  and  the  flames  surround? 
0  mighty  Jove!  0  sire  of  the  distress'd! 
Was  ever  king  like  me,  like  me  oppress'd? 
With  power  immense,  with  justice  arm'd  in  vain; 
My  glory  ravish'd,  and  my  people  slain! 
To  thee  my  vows  were  breathed  from  every  shore; 
What  altar  smoked  not  with  our  victims'  gore? 
With  fat  of  bulls  I  fed  the  coiistant  flame. 
And  ask'd  destruction  to  the  Trojan  name. 
Now,  gracious  gudl  far  humbler  our  demand; 
Give  these  at  least  to  'scape  from  Hector's  hand, 
And  save  the  relics  of  the  Grecian  land!" 

Thus  pray'd  the  king,   and    heaven's   great   father 
heard 
His  vows,  in  bitterness  of  soul  preferr'd; 
The  wrath  appeased,  by  happy  signs  declares. 
And  gives  the  peojjle  to  their  monarch's  prayers. 
His  eagle,  sacred  bird  of  heaven!  he  sent, 
A  fawn  his  talons  truss'd,  (divine  portent!) 
High  o'er  the  wondering  hosts  he  soar'd  above, 
Who  j)aid  their  vows  to  Panompha^an  Jove; 
Then  let  the  ])rey  before  his  altar  fall; 
'J'ho  Greeks  beheld,  and  transport  seized  on  all: 
Encouraged  by  the  sign,  the  troops  revive. 
And  fierce  on  Troy  with  doubled  fury  drive. 
Tydides  first,  of  all  the  Grecian  force. 
O'er  tiie  broad  ditch  impell'd  his  foaming  horse, 


218  THE  ILIAD. 

Pierced  the  deep  ranks,  their  strongest  battle  tore, 

And  dyed  his  javelin  red  with  Trojan  gore. 

Young  Agelaiis  (Phradmon  was  his  sire) 

With  flying  coursers  shunu'd  his  dreadfnl  ire; 

Struck  through  the  back,  the  Phrygian  fell  oppress'd; 

The  dart  drove  on,  and  issued  at  his  breast: 

Headlong  he  quits  the  car:  his  arms  resound; 

His  ponderous  buckler  thunders  on  the  ground. 

Forth  rush  a  tide  of  Greeks,  the  passage  freed; 

The  Atridfe  first,  the  Ajaces  next  succeed: 

Meriones,  like  Mars  in  arms  renown'd. 

And  godlike  Idoraen,  now  passed  the  mound; 

EvEemon's  son  next  issues  to  the  foe. 

And  last  young  Teucer  with  his  bended  bow. 

Secure  behind  the  Telamonian  shield. 

The  skillful  archer  wide  survey'd  the  field, 

With  every  shaft  some  hostile  victim  slew, 

Then  close  beneath  the  sevenfold  orb  withdrew: 

The  conscious  infant  so,  when  fear  alarms, 

Eetires  for  safety  to  the  mother's  arms. 

Thus  Ajax  guards  his  brother  in  the  field, 

Moves  as  he  moves,  and  turns  the  shining  shield. 

Who  first  by  Teucer's  mortal  arrows  bled? 

Orsilochus;  then  fell  Ormenus  dead: 

The  godlike  Lycophon  next  press'd  the  plain. 

With  Chromius,  Dastor,  Ophelestes  slain: 

Bold  Hamopilon  breathless  sunk  to  ground; 

The  bloody  pile  great  Melanippus  crown'd. 

Heaps  fell  on  heaps,  sad  trophies *of  his  art, 

A  Trojan  ghost  attending  every  dart. 

Great  Agamemnon  views  with  joyful  eye 

The  ranks  grow  thinner  as  his  arrows  fly: 

"0  youth  for  ever  dear!  (the  monarch  cried) 

Thus,  always  thus,  thy  early  worth  be  tried ; 

Thy  brave  example  shall  retrieve  our  host, 

Thy  country's  saviour,  and  thy  father's  boast! 

Sprung  from  an  alien's  bed  thy  sire  to  grace, 

The  vigorous  offspring  of  a  stolen  embrace; 

Proud  of  his  boy,  he  owu'd  the  generous  flame, 

And  the  brave  boy  repays  his  cares  with  fame. 

Now  hear  a  monarch's  vow:  If  heaven's  high  powers 

Give  me  to  raze  Troy's  long-defended  towers; 

Whatever  treasures  Greece  for  me  design, 

The  next  rich  honorary  gift  be  thine: 

Some  golden  tripod,  or  distmguish'd  car, 


THE  ILIAD.  219 

With  conrsers  dreadful  in  the  ranks  of  war: 
Or  some  fair  captive,   whom  thy  eyes  approve, 
Shall  recompose  the  warrior's  toils  with  love." 

To  this  the  chief:  "With  praise  the  rest  inspire, 
Nor  urge  a  soul  already  Ulled  with  fire. 
What  strength  I  have,  be  now  in  battle  tried, 
Till  every  shaft  in  Phrygian  blood  be  dyed. 
Since  rallying  from  our  wall  we  forced  the  foe, 
Still  aim'd  at  Hector  have  I  bent  mv  bow: 
Eight  forky  arrows  from  this  hand  have  fled, 
And  eight  bold  heroes  by  their  points  lie  dead: 
But  sure  some  god  denies  me  to  destroy 
This  fury  of  the  field,  this  dog  of  Troy." 

lie  said,  and  twang'd  the  string.    The  weapon  flies 
At  Hector's  breast,  and  sings  along  the  skies: 
He  miss'd  the  mark;  but  pierced  Gorgythio's  heart, 
And  drench'd  in  royal  blood  the  thirsty  dart. 
(Fair  Castianira,  nymph  of  form  divine. 
This  offspring  added  to  king  Priam's  line.) 
As  full-blown  poppies,  overcharged  with  rain,* 
Decline  tlie  head,  and  drooping  kiss  the  plain; 
So  sinks  the  youth:  his  beauteous  head,  depress'd 
Beneath  his  helmet,  drops  upon  his  breast. 
Another  shaft  the  raging  archer  drew. 
That  other  shaft  with  erring  fury  flew, 
(From  Hector,  Phoebus  turn'd  the  flying  wound,) 
Yet  fell  not  dry  or  guiltless  to  the  ground: 
Thy  breast,  brave  Archeptolemus!  it  tore. 
And  dipp'd  its  feathers  in  no  vulgar  gore. 
Headlcjng  he  falls:  his  sudden  fall  alarms 
The  steeds,  that  startle  at  his  sounding  arms. 
Hector  with  grief  his  charioteer  beheld 
All  pale  and  breathless  on  the  sanguine  field: 
Then  bids  Cebriones  direct  the  rein, 
Quits  his  bright  car,  and  issues  on  the  plain. 
JJreadful  he  shouts:  from  earth  a  stone  he  took, 
And  rush'd  on  Teucer  with  the  lifted  rock. 
Tiie  youth  already  strain'd  the  forceful  yew; 
The  shaft  already  to  his  shoulder  drew; 
The  feather  in  his  hand,  just  wing'd  for  flight, 

*  As  full  bloinn,  etc. 

"  II  suo  Leshia  fiuasi  hel  fior  succiso, 
E  in  at  to  si  jri-ntil  laii^iiir  trfiiianti 
or  occhi,  e  cader  su  'i  tergo  ii  roWo  iiiira." 

— Uier.  Lib.  ix.  85. 


'Z20  ^'-^^  ILIAD. 

Tonch'd  where  the  neck  and  liollow  chest  unite; 
There,  where  the  juncture  knits  tlie  channel  bone, 
The  furious  chief  discharged  the  craggy  stone: 
The  bow-string  burst  beneath  the  ponderous  blow, 
And  his  numb'd  hand  dismiss'd  his  useless  bow. 
He  fell:  but  Ajax  his  broad  shield  display'd, 
And  screen'd  his  brother  with  the  mighty  shade; 
Till  great  Alaster,  and  Mecistlieus,  bore 
The  batter'd  archer  groaning  to  the  shore. 

Troy  yet  found  grace  before  the  Olympian  sire, 
He  arm'd  their  hands,  and  fiU'd  their  breasts  with  fire. 
The  Greeks  repulsed,  retreat  behind  their  wall, 
Or  in  the  trench  on  heaps  confusedly  fall. 
First  of  the  foe,  great  Hector  march'd  along. 
With  terror  clothed,  and  more  than  mortal  strong. 
As  the  bold  hound,  that  gives  the  lion  chase, 
With  beating  bosom,  and  with  eager  pace. 
Hangs  on  his  haunch,  or  fastens  on  his  heels, 
Guards  as  he  turns,  and  circles  as  he  wheels; 
Thus  oft  the  Grecians  turn'd,  but  still  they  flew; 
Thus  following,  Hector  still  the  hindmost  slew. 
When  flying  they  had  pass'd  the  trench  profound, 
And  many  a  chief  lay  gasping  on  the  ground; 
Before  the  ships  a  desperate  stand  they  made. 
And  fired  the  troops,  and  called  the  gods  to  aid. 
Fierce  on  his  rattling  chariot  Hector  came: 
His  eyes  like  Gorgon  shot  a  sanguine  flame 
That  wither'd  all  their  host:  like  Mars  he  stood: 
Dire  as  the  monster,  dreadful  as  the  god! 
Their  strong  distress  the  wife  of  Jove  survey'd; 
Then  pensive  thus,  to  war's  triumphant  maid: 

"0  daughter  of  that  god,  whose  arm  can  wield 
The  avenging  bolt,  and  shake  the  sable  shield! 
Now,  in  the  moment  of  her  last  despair, 
Shall  wretched  Greece  no  more  confess  our  care, 
Condemn'd  to  suffer  the  full  force  of  fate. 
And  drain  the  dregs  of  heaven's  relentless  hate? 
Gods!  shall  one  raging  hand  thus  level  all? 
What  numbers  fell!  what  numbers  yet  shall  fall! 
What  power  divine  shall  Hector's  rage  assuage? 
Still  swells  the  slaughter,  and  still  grows  the  rage!" 

So  spake  the  imperial  regent  of  the  skies; 
To  whom  the  goddess  with  the  azure  eyes: 

"Long  since  had  Hector  stain'd  these  fields  with  gore, 
Stretch'd  by  some  Argive  on  his  native  shore: 


THE  ILIAD.  221 

But  he  above,  the  sire  of  heaven,  withstands, 

Mocks  our  attempts,  and  slights  our  just  demands; 

The  stubborn  god,  inflexible  and  hard, 

Forgets  my  service  and  deserved  reward: 

Saved  I,  for  this,  his  favorite  son  distress'd. 

By  stern  Eurystheus  with  long  labors  press'd? 

He  begg'd,  with  tears  he  begg'd,  in  deep  dismay; 

I  shot  from  heaven,  and  gave  liis  arm  the  day. 

Oh  had  my  wisdom  known  this  dire  event, 

When  to  grim  Pluto's  gloomy  gates  he  went; 

The  triple  dog  had  never  felt  his  chain. 

Nor  Styx  been  cross'd,  nor  hell  explored  in  vain. 

Averse  to  me  of  all  his  heaven  of  gods. 

At  Thetis'  suit  the  partial  Tliunderer  nods; 

To  grace  her  gloomy,  fierce,  resenting  son. 

My  hopes  are  frustrate,  and  my  Greeks  undone. 

Some  future  day,  perhaps,  he  may  be  moved 

To  call  his  blue-eyed  maid  his  best  beloved. 

Haste,  launch  thy  chariot,  through  yon  ranks  to  ride; 

Myself  will  arm,  and  thunder  at  thy  side. 

Then,  goddess!  say,  shall  Hector  glory  then? 

(That  terror  of  the  Greeks,  that  man  of  men) 

When  Juno's  self,  and  Pallas  shall  appear. 

All  dreadful  in  the  crimson  walks  of  war! 

What  mighty  Trojan  then,  on  yonder  shore. 

Expiring,  pale,  and  terrible  no  more, 

Shall  feast  the  fowls,  and  glut  the  dogs  with  gore?" 

She  ceased,  and  Juno  rein'd  the  steeds  with  care: 
(Heaven's  awful  empress,  Saturn's  other  heir:) 
Pallas,  meanwhile,  her  various  veil  unbound, 
Vv'ith  ilowers  adorn'd,  with  art  immortal  crown'd; 
Tlie  radiant  robe  her  sacred  lingers  wove 
Floats  in  rich  waves,  and  spreads  the  ccnirt  of  Jove. 
Her  father's  arms  her  mighty  limbs  invest, 
His  cuirass  blazes  on  her  ample  breast, 
TJie  vigorous  power  the  trembling  car  ascends: 
Sh(j(jk  ijy  her  arm,  the  massy  javelin  bends: 
Huge,  p(»nderous,  strong!  that  when  her  fury  burns 
Proud  tyrants  humbles,  and  whole  hosts  o'erturns. 

Saturnia  lends  the  lash;  the  coursers  fly; 
Smooth  glides  the  chariot  through  the  iiquid  sky. 
Heaven's  gates  spontaneous  (jfjcn  to  the  jiowcrs, 
Heaven's  golden  gates,  kept  by  the  winged  Hours. 
Gommission'd  in  alternate  watch  they  stand, 
Tiie  sun's  bright  jiortuls  and  the  skies  command; 


222  THE  ILIAD. 

Close,  or  unfold,  the  eternal  gates  of  day, 

Bar  heaven  with  clouds,  or  roll  those  clouds  away. 

The  sounding  hinges  ring,  the  clouds  divide: 

Prone  down  the  steep  of  heaven  their  course  they  guide; 

But  Jove,  incensed,  from  Ida's  top  survey'd, 

And  thus  enjoin'd  the  many  color'd  maid. 

"Thaumantia!  mount  the  winds,  and  stop  their  car; 
Against  the  highest  who  shall  wage  the  war? 
If  furious  yet  they  dare  the  vain  debate. 
Thus  have  I  spoke,  and  what  I  speak  is  fate: 
Their  coursers  crush'd  beneath  the  wheels  shall  lie, 
Their  car  in  fragments,  scatter'd  o'er  the  sky: 
My  lightning  these  rebellions  shall  confound. 
And  hurl  them  flaming,  headlong,  to  the  ground, 
(Jondemn'd  for  ten  revolving  years  to  weep 
The  wounds  impress'd  by  burning  thunder  deep. 
So  shall  Minerva  learn  to  fear  our  ire. 
Nor  dare  to  combat  hers  and  nature's  sire. 
For  Juno,  headstrong  and  imperious  still, 
She  claims  some  title  to  transgress  our  will." 

Swift  as  the  wind,  the  various-color'd  maid 
From  Ida's  top  her  golden  wings  display'd; 
To  great  Olympus'  sljining  gate  she  flies, 
There  meets  the  chariot  rushing  down  the  skies, 
Eestrains  their  progress  from  the  bright  abodes, 
And  speaks  the  mandate  of  the  sire  of  gods. 

"What  frenzy  goddesses!  what  rage  can  move 
Celestial  minds  to  tempt  the  wrath  of  Jove? 
Desist,  obedient  to  his  high  command: 
This  is  his  word;  and  know  his  word  shall  stand: 
His  lightning  your  rebellion  shall  confound. 
And  hurl  ye  headlong,  flaming,  to  the  ground; 
Your  horses  crush'd  beneath  the  wheels  shall  lie. 
Your  car  in  fragments  scatter'd  o'er  the  sky; 
Yourselves  condemn'd  ten  rolling  years  to  weep 
The  wounds  impress'd  by  burning  thunder  deep. 
So  shall  Minerva  learn  to  fear  his  ire. 
Nor  dare  to  combat  hers  and  nature's  sire. 
For  Juno,  headstrong  and  imperious  still, 
She  claims  some  title  to  transgress  his  will: 
But  thee,  what  desperate  insolence  has  driven 
To  lift  thy  glance  against  the  king  of  heaven?" 

Then,  mounting  on  the  pinions  of  the  wind, 
She  flew;  and  Juno  thus  her  rage  resign'd: 

"0  daughter  of  that  god,  whose  arm  can  wield 


THE  ILIAD.  223 

The  avenging  bolt,  and  shake  the  dreadful  shield! 
No  more  let  beings  of  superior  birth 
Contend  with  Jove  for  this  low  race  of  earth; 
Triumphant  now,  now  miserably  slain, 
They  breathe  or  perish  as  the  fates  ordain: 
But  Jove's  high  counsels  full  elfect  shall  find; 
And,  ever  constant,  ever  rule  mankind." 
She  spoke,  and  backward  turn'd  her  steeds  of  light, 
Adorn'd  with  manes  of  gold,  and  heavenly  bright. 
The  Hours  unloosed  them,  panting  as  they  stood. 
And  heap'd  their  mangers  with  ambrosial  food. 
There  tied,  they  rest  in  high  celestial  stalls; 
The  chariot  propp'd  against  the  crystal  walls. 
The  pensive  goddesses,  abash'd,  controll'd. 
Mix  with  the  gods,  and  fill  their  seats  of  gold. 

And  now  the  Thunderer  meditates  his  flight 
From  Ida's  summits  to  the  Olympian  lieight. 
Swifter  than  thought,  the  wheels  instinctive  fly, 
Flame  through  the  vast  of  air,  and  reach  the  sky. 
'Twas  Neptune's  charge  his  coursers  to  unbrace, 
And  fix  the  car  on  its  immortal  base; 
There  stood  the  chariot,  beaming  forth  it  rays, 
Till  with  a  snowy  veil  he  screen 'd  the  blaze. 
He,  whose  all-conscious  eyes  the  world  behold. 
The  eternal  Thunderer  sat,  enthroned  in  gold. 
High  heaven  the  footstool  of  his  feet  he  makes, 
And  wide  beneath  him  all  Olympus  shakes. 
Trembling  afar  the  olfending  powers  appear'd. 
Confused  and  silent,  for  his  frown  they  fear'd. 
He  saw  their  soul,  and  thus  his  word  imparts: 
"Pallas  and  Juno!  say,  why  heave  your  liearts? 
Soon  was  your  battle  o'er;  proud  Troy  retired 
Before  your  face,  and  in  your  wrath  expired. 
But  know,  whoe'er  almighty  power  withstand! 
TJnmatch'd  our  force,  unconquur'd  is  our  hand: 
Who  shall  the  sovereign  of  the  skies  control? 
Not  all  the  gods  that  crown  the  starry  pole. 
Your  hearts  shall  tremble,  if  our  arms  we  take, 
And  eacli  immortal  nerve  with  liorror  shako. 
For  thus  I  speak,  and  what  I  speak  shall  stand: 
"What  pcnver  soe'er  provokes  our  lifted  l);ind. 
On  this  our  hill  no  more  shall  hold  his  [)lace; 
Cut  off,  and  exiled  from  the  ethereal  race." 

.Juno  and  Pallas  grieving  hear  the  doom, 
But  feast  their  souls  on  Ilion's  woes  to  come. 


224  THE  ILIAD. 

Though  secret  anger  swell'd  Minerva's  breast, 
The  prudent  goddess  yet  her  wrath  repress'd; 
But  Juno,  impotent  of  rage,  replies: 
"What  hast  thou  said,  0  tyrant  of  the  skies! 
Strength  and  omnipotence  invest  thy  throne; 
'Tis  thine  to  punish;  ours  to  grieve  alone. 
For  Greece  we  grieve,  abandon'd  by  her  fate 
To  drink  the  dregs  of  thy  unmeasured  hate. 
From  fields  forbidden  we  submiss  refrain, 
With  arms  unaiding  see  our  Argives  slain; 
Yet  grant  our  counsels  still  their  breasts  may  move, 
Lest  all  should  perish  in  the  rage  of  Jove." 

The  goddess  thus;  and  thus  the  god  replies, 
Who  swells  the  clouds,  and  blackens  all  the  skies. 

"The  morning  sun,  awaked  by  loud  alarms, 
Shall  see  the  almighty  Thunderer  in  arms. 
What  heaps  of  Argives  then  shall  load  the  plain, 
Those  radiant  eyes  shall  view,  and  view  in  vain. 
Nor  shall  great  Hector  cease  the  rage  of  fight, 
The  navy  flaming,  and  thy  Greeks  in  flight. 
Even  till  the  day  when  certain  fates  ordain 
That  stern  Achilles  (his  Patroclus  slain) 
Shall  rise  in  vengeance,  and  lay  waste  the  plain. 
For  such  is  fate,  nor  canst  thou  turn  its  course 
With  all  thy  rage,  with  all  thy  rebel  force. 
Fly,  if  thy  wilt,  to  earth's  remotest  bound, 
Where  on  her  utmost  verge  the  seas  resound; 
Where  cursed  lapetus  and  Saturn  dwell, 
Fast  by  the  brink,  within  the  streams  of  hell; 
No  sun  e'er  gilds  the  gloomy  horrors  there; 
No  cheerful  gales  refresh  the  lazy  air: 
There  arm  once  more  the  bold  Titanian  band; 
And  arm  in  vain;  for  what  I  will,  shall  stand." 

Now  deep  in  ocean  sunk  the  lamp  of  light. 
And  drew  behind  the  cloudy  veil  of  night: 
The  conquering  Trojans  mourn  his  beams  decay'd; 
The  Greeks  rejoicing  bless  the  friendly  shade. 

The  victors  keep  the  field;  and  Hector  calls 
A  martial  council  near  the  navy  walls; 
These  to  Scamander's  bank  apart  he  led, 
Where  thinly  scatter'd  lay  the  heaps  of  dead. 
The  assembled  chiefs,  descending  on  the  ground, 
Attend  his  order,  and  their  j)rince  surround. 
A  massy  spear  he  bore  of  mighty  strength, 
Of  full  ten  cubits  was  the  lance's  lengtli; 


THE  ILIAD.  225 

The  point  was  brass,  refulgent  to  behold, 
Fix'd  to  the  wood  with  circling  rings  of  gold: 
The  noble  Hector  on  his  lance  reclined, 
And,  bending  forward,  thus  reveal'd  his  mind: 

''Ye  valiant  Trojans,  with  attention  hear! 
Ye  Dardan  bands,  and  generous  aids,  give  ear! 
This  day,  we  hoped,  would  wrap  in  conquering  flame 
Greece  with  her  ships,  and  crown  our  toils  with  fame; 
But  darkness  now,  to  save  the  cowards,  falls, 
And  guards  them  trembling  in  their  wooden  walls. 
Obey  the  night,  and  use  her  peaceful  h-ours 
Our  steeds  to  forage,  and  refresh  our  powers. 
Straight  from  the  town  be  sheep  and  oxen  sought, 
And  strengthening  bread  and  generous  wine  be  brought. 
Wide  o'er  the  field,  high  blazing  to  the  sky, 
Let  numerous  fires  the  absent  sun  supply, 
The  flaming  piles  with  plenteous  fuel  raise, 
Till  the  bright  morn  her  purjole  beam  displays; 
Lest,  in  the  silence  and  the  shades  of  night, 
Greece  on  her  sable  ships  attempt  her  flight. 
Xot  unmolested  let  the  wretches  gain 
Their  lofty  decks,  or  safely  cleave  the  main; 
Some  hostile  wound  let  every  dart  bestow. 
Some  lasting  token  of  the  Phrygian  foe, 
Wounds,  that  long  hence  may  ask  their  spouses'  care, 
And  warn  their  children  from  a  Trojan  war. 
Now  through  the  circuit  of  our  Ilion  wall. 
Let  sacred  heralds  sound  the  solemn  call; 
To  bid  the  sires  with  hoary  honors  crown'd. 
And  beardless  youths,  our  battlements  surround. 
Firm  be  the  guard,  while  distant  lie  our  powers, 
And  let  the  matrons  hang  with  lights  the  towers; 
Jvcst,  under  covert  of  the  midnight  shade, 
The  insidious  foe  the  naked  town  invade. 
■Sufllce,  to-night,  these  orders  to  obey; 
A  nobler  charge  shall  rouse  the  dawning  day. 
■"I'lio  gods,  I  trust,  shall  give  to  IIector'f^'  hand 
From  these  detested  foes. to  free  the  land. 
Who  plough'd,  with  fates  averse,  the  watery  way: 
For  Trojan  vultures  a  predestined  i)rey. 
Our  common  safety  must  be  now  the  care; 
But  soon  as  morning  paints  the  fields  of  air. 
Sheathed  in  bright  arms  let  every  troop  engage. 
And  the  fired  fleet  lichold  the  battle  rage. 
Then,  then  shall  Hector  and  Tydides  prove 


226  THE  ILIAD. 

Whose  fates  are  heaviest  m  the  scales  of  Jove. 
To-morrow's  light  (0  haste  the  glorious  morn!) 
Shall  see  his  hloody  spoils  in  triumph  borne, 
With  this  keen  javelin  shall  his  breast  be  gored, 
And  prostrate  heroes  bleed  around  their  lord. 
Certain  as  this,  oh!  might  my  days  endure, 
From_  age  inglorious,  and  black  death  secure; 
So  might  my  life  and  glory  know  no  bound, 
Like  Pallas  worship'd,  like  the  sun  renown'd! 
As  the  next  dawn,  the  last  they  shall  enjoy. 
Shall  crush  the  Greeks,  and  end  the  woes  of  Troy." 

The  leader  spoke.     From  all  his  host  around- 
Shouts  of  applause  along  the  shores  resound. 
Each  from  the  yoke  the  smoking  steeds  untied, 
And  fix'd  their  headstalls  to  his  chariot-side. 
Fat  sheep  and  oxen  from  the  town  are  led, 
AVith  generous  wine,  and  all-sustaining  bread. 
Full  hecatombs  lay  burning  on  the  shore: 
The  winds  to  heaven  the  curling  vapors  bore. 
Ungrateful  offering  to  the  immortal  powers!* 
Whose  wrath  hung  heavy  o'er  the  Trojan  towers: 
Nor  Priam  nor  his  sons  obtain'd  their  grace; 
Proud  Troy  they  hated,  and  her  guilty  race. 

The  troops  exulting  sat  in  order  round. 
And  beaming  tires  illumined  all  the  ground. 
As  when  the  moon,  refulgent  lamp  of  night,* 
O'er  heaven's  pure  azure  spreads  her  sacred  light, 
When  not  a  breath  disturbs  the  deep  serene. 
And  not  a  cloud  o'ercasts  the  solemn  scene. 
Around  her  throne  the  vivid  planets  roll, 


*  Ungrateful,  because  the  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged 
was  unjust. 

"  Struck  by  the  lab'ring  priests'  uplifted  hands 
The  victims  fall:  to  heaven  they  make  their  pray'r, 
The  curling  vapors  load  the  ambient  air. 
But  vain  their  toil:  the  pow'rs  who  rule  the  skies 
Averse  beheld  the  ungrateful  sacrifice." 

— Merrick's  Tryphiodorus,  vi.  527,  sqq. 
f  "  As  when  about  the  silver  moon,  wlien  aire  is  free  from  winde, 
And  stars  shine  cleare,  to  whose  sweet  beams  high  prospects 

on  the  brows 
Of  all  steepe  hills  and  pinnacles   thrust   up   themselves   for 

shows, 
And  even  the  lowly  valleys  joy  to  glitter  in  their  sight; 
When  the  unmeasured  firmament  bursts  to  disclose  her  light, 
And  all  the  signs  in  heaven  are  seene,  that  glad  the  .shepherd's 
heart."  — Chapman. 


THE  ILIAD.  227 

And  stars  unnuniber'd  gild  the  glowing  pole, 
O'er  the  dark  trees  a  yellower  verdure  shed, 
And  tip  with  silver  every  mountain's  head: 
Then  shine  the  vales,  the  rocks  in  prospect  rise, 
A  flood  of  glory  bursts  from  all  the  skies: 
The  conscious  swains,  rejoicing  in  the  sight, 
Eye  the  blue  vault,  and  bless  the  useful  light. 
So  many  flames  before  proud  llion  blaze. 
And  lighten  glimmering  Xanthus  with  their  rays. 
The  long  reflections  of  the  distant  fires 
Gleam  on  the  walls,  and  tremble  on  the  spires. 
A  thousand  piles  the  dusky  horrors  gild. 
And  shoot  a  shady  lustre  o'er  the  field. 
Full  fifty  guards  each  flaming  pile  attend, 
"Whose  umber'd  arms,  by  fits,  thick  flashes  send, 
Loud  neigh  the  coursers  o'er  their  heaps  of  corn, 
And  ardent  warriors  wait  the  rising  morn. 


228  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  IX. 

AEGUMENT. 

THE   EMBASSY   TO   ACHILLES. 

Agamemnon,  after  the  last  day's  defeat,  proposes  to  the  Greeks 
to  quit  the  siege,  and  return  to  their  country.  Diomed 
opposes  this,  and  Nestor  seconds  him,  praising  his  wisdom 
and  resolution.  He  orders  the  guard  to  be  strengthened,  and 
a  council  summoned  to  deliberate  what  measures  are  to  be 
followed  in  this  emergency.  Agamemnon  pursues  this 
advice,  and  Nestor  further  prevails  upon  him  to  send  ambas- 
sadors to  Achilles,  in  order  to  move  him  to  a  reconciliation. 
Ulysses  and  Ajax  are  made  choice  of,  who  are  accompanied 
by  old  Phoenix.  They  make,  each  of  them,  very  moving  and 
pressing  speeches,  but  are  rejected  with  roughness  by 
Achilles,  who  notwithstanding  retains  Phoenix  in  his  tent. 
The  ambassadors  return  unsuccessfully  to  the  camp,  and  the 
troops  betake  themselves  to  sleep. 

This  book,  and  the  next  following,  take  up  the  space  of 
one  night,  which  is  the  twenty-seventh  from  tLe  beginning 
of  the  poem.  The  scene  lies  on  the  sea-shore,  the  station  of 
the  Grecian  ships. 

Thus  joyful  Troy  maintain'd  the  watch  of  night; 
"While  fear,  pale  comrade  of  inglorious  flight,* 
And  heaven-bred  horror,  on  the  Grecian  part, 
Sat  on  each  face,  and  sadden 'd  every  heart. 
As  from  its  cloudy  dungeon  issuing  forth, 
A  double  tempest  of  the  west  and  north 
Swells  o'er  the  sea,  from  Thracia's  frozen  shore, 
Heaps  waves  on  waves,  and  bids  the  ^gean  roar: 
This  way  and  that  the  boiling  deeps  are  toss'd: 
Such  various  passions  urged  the  troubled  host, 
Great  Agamemnon  grieved  above  the  rest; 
Superior  sorrows  swell'd  his  royal  breast; 
Himself  his  orders  to  the  heralds  bears, 

*  This  flight  of  the  Greeks,  according  to  Buttmann,  Lexil. 
p.  358,  was  not  a  supernatural  flight  caused  by  tbe  gods,  but  "  a 
great  and  general  one,  caused  by  Hector  and  the  Trojans,  but 
with  the  approval  of  Jove." 


THE  ILIAD.  229 

To  bid  to  council  all  the  Grecian  peers, 

But  bid  in  whispers:  these  surround  their  chief, 

In  solemn  sadness,  and  majestic  grief. 

The  king  amidst  the  mournful  circle  rose: 

Down  his  wan  cheeii  a  briny  torrent  flows. 

So  silent  fountains,  from  a  rock's  tall  head, 

In  sable  streams  aoft-trickling  waters  shed. 

With  more  than  vulgar  grief  he  stood  oppress'd; 

Words,  mix'd  with  sighs,  thus  bursting  from  his  breast: 

"Ye  sons  of  Greece!  partake  your  leader's  care; 
Fellows  in  arms  and  princes  of  the  warl 
Of  partial  Jove  too  justly  we  complain, 
And  heavenly  oracles  believed  in  vain. 
A  safe  return  was  promised  to  our  toils, 
With  conquest  honor'd  and  enrich'd  with  spoils: 
Now  shameful  flight  alone  can  save  the  host; 
Our  wealth,  our  people,  and  our  glory  lost. 
So  Jove  decrees,  almighty  lord  of  all! 
Jove,  at  whose  nod  whole  empires  rise  or  fall, 
Who  shakes  the  feeble  props  of  human  trust. 
And  towers  and  armies  humbles  to  the  dust. 
Haste  then,  forever  quit  these  fatal  fields, 
Haste  to  the  joys  our  native  country  yields; 
Spread  all  your  canvas,  all  your  oars  employ. 
Nor  hope  the  fall  of  heaven-defended  Troy." 

He  said:  deep  silence  hold  the  Grecian  band: 
Silent,  unmovM  in  dire  dismay  they  stand; 
A  pensive  scene!  till  Tydeus'  warlike  son 
KoU'd  on  the  king  his  eyes,  and  thus  begun: 
"Wlien  kings  advise  us  to  renounce  our  fame, 
First  let  liim  speak  who  first  sufi'er'd  shame. 
If  I  oppose  thee,  prince!  thy  wrath  withhold, 
Tlie  laws  of  council  bid  my  tongue  be  bold. 
Thou  first,  and  thou  alone,  in  fields  of  fight, 
Durst  brand  my  courage,  and  defame  my  might: 
Nor  from  a  friend  the  unkind  reproach  appeared, 
The  Greeks  st.iod  witness,  all  our  army  heard. 
The  gods,  0  chief!  from  whom  our  honors  spring. 
The  gods  iiave  made  thee  but  by  halves  a  king: 
They  gave  thee  sceptres,  and  a  wide  cominand; 
They  gave  dominion  o'er  the  seas  and  land; 
The  noblest  power  that  might  the  world  control 
Tliey  gave  thee  not— a  brave  and  virtuous  soul. 
Is  this  a  general's  voice,  that  would  suggest 
Fears  like  his  own  to  every  Grecian  breast? 


230  THE  ILIAD. 

Confiding  in  our  want  of  worth,  he  stands, 
And  if  we  fly,  'tis  what  our  king  commands. 
Go  thou,  inglorious!  from  the  embattlec  plain; 
Ships  thou  hast  store,  and  nearest  to  the  main; 
A  noble  care  the  Grecians  shall  employ, 
To  combat,  conquer,  and  extirpate  Troy. 
Here  Greece  shall  stay;  or,  if  all  Greece  retire, 
Myself  shall  stay,  till  Troy  or  I  expire; 
Myself,  and  Sthenelus,  will  fight  for  fame; 
God  bade  us  fight,  and  'twas  with  God  we  came." 

He  ceased ;  the  Greeks  loud  acclamations  raise, 
And  voice  to  voice  resounds  Tydides'  praise. 
Wise  Nestor  then  his  reverend  figure  rear'd; 
He  spoke:  the  host  in  still  attention  heard.* 

"0  truly  great!  in  whom  the  gods  have  join'd 
Such  strength  of  body  with  such  force  of  mind : 
In  conduct,  as  in  courage,  you  excel. 
Still  first  to  act  what  you  advise  so  well. 
These  wholesome  counsels  which  thy  wisdom  moves, 
Applauding  Greece  with  common  voice  approves. 
Kings  thou  canst  blame;  a  bold  but  prudent  youth: 
And  blame  even  kings  with  praise,  because  with  truth. 
And  yet  those  years  that  since  thy  birth  have  run 
Would  hardly  style  thee  Nestor's  youngest  son. 
Then  let  me  add  what  yet  remains  behind, 
A  thought  unfinish'd  in  that  generous  mind; 
Age  bids  me  speak!  nor  shall  the  advice  I  bring 
Distaste  the  people,  or  offend  the  king: 

"Cursed  the  man,  and  void  of  law  and  right, 
Unworthy  property,  unworthy  light. 
Unfit  for  public  rule,  or  private  care, 
That  wretch,  that  monster,  who  delights  in  war; 
Whose  lust  is  murder,  and  whose  horrid  joy. 
To  tear  his  country,  and  his  kind  destroy! 
This  night,  refresh  and  fortify  thy  train; 
Between  the  trench  and  wall  let  guards  remain: 
Be  that  the  duty  of  the  young  and  bold; 
But  thou,  0  king,  to  council  call  the  old; 
Great  is  thy  sway,  and  weighty  are  thy  cares; 
Thy  high  commands  must  spirit  all  our  wars. 

*  Grote,  vol.  ii.  p.  91.  after  noticing  the  modest  calmness  and 
respect  with  wbicli  Nestor  addresses  Agamemnon,  observes, 
"  The  Homeric  Council  is  a  purely  consultative  body,  assembled 
not  with  any  power  of  peremptorily  arresting  mischievous  resolves 
of  the  king,  but  solely  for  his  information  and  guidance." 


THE  ILIAD.  231 

With  Tliracian  wines  recruit  thy  hoiior'd  guests, 
For  happy  counsels  flow  from  sober  feasts. 
Wise,  weighty  counsels  aid  a  state  distress'd, 
And  such  a  monarch  as  can  choose  the  best. 
See'what  a  blaze  from  hostile  tents  aspires, 
How  near  our  fleet  approach  the  Trojan  fires! 
Who  can,  unmoved,  behold  the  dreadful  light? 
What  eye  beholds  them,  and  can  close  to-night? 
Tliis  dreadful  interval  determines  all; 
To-morrow,  Troy  must  flame,  or  Greece  must  fan." 

Thus  spoke  the  hoary  sage:  the  rest  obey; 
Swift  through  the  gates  the  guards  direct  their  way. 
His  son  was  first  to  pass  the  lofty  mound, 
The  generous  Thrasymed,  iu  arms  renown'd: 
Xext  him,  Ascalaphus,  liilmen  stood, 
'J'he  double  offspring  of  the  warrior-god: 
Dei'pyrus,  Aphareus,  Merion  join. 
And  Lycomed  of  Creon's  noble  line. 
Seven  were  the  leaders  of  the  nightly  bands, 
And  each  bold  chief  a  hundred  spears  commands. 
The  fires  they  light,  to  short  repasts  they  fall, 
Some  line  the  trench,  and  others  man  the  wall. 

The  king  of  men,  on  public  counsels  bent, 
Convened  the  princes  in  his  ample  tent; 
Each  seized  a  portion  of  the  kingly  feast. 
But  stay'd  his  hand  when  thirst  and  hunger  ceased. 
Then  Nestor  spoke,  for  wisdom  long  approved, 
And  slowly  rising,  thus  the  council  moved. 

"Monarch  of  nationsi  whose  superior  sway 
Assonrljled  states,  and  lords  of  earth  obey. 
The  laws  and  sceptres  to  thy  hand  are  given, 
And  millions  own  the  care  of  thee  and  Heaven. 

0  king!  the  counsels  of  my  age  attend: 

With  thee  my  cares  begin,  with  thee  must  end: 
Thee,  prince!  it  fits  alike  to  speak  and  hear. 
Pronounce  with  judgment,  with  regard  give  ear, 
To  see  no  wholesome  motion  be  withstood, 
And  ratify  the  best  for  public  good: 
Nor,  though  a  meaner  give  advice,  repine, 
But    oilow  it,  and  make  the  wisdom  thine. 
Hear  then  a  thought,  not  now  conceived  in  haste, 
At  once  my  present  judgment  and  my  past. 
When  from  Polides'  tout  you  forced  the  maid, 

1  first  opposed,  ami  faitlifnl,  durst  dissuade; 
But  bold  of  soul,  when  headlong  fury  tired, 


233  THE  ILIAD. 

You  wronged  the  man,  by  men  and  gods  admired: 
Now  seek  some  means  his  fatal  wrath  to  end, 
With  prayers  to  move  him,  or  with  gifts  to  bend." 

To  whom  the  king.     "With  justice  hast  thou  shown 
A  prince's  faults,  and  I  with  reason  own. 
That  happy  man,  whom  Jove  still  honors  most, 
Is  more  than  armies,  and  himself  a  host. 
Bless'd  in  his  love,  this  wondrous  hero  stands; 
Heaven  fights  his  war,  and  humbles  all  our  bands. 
Fain  would  my  heart,  which  err'd  through  frantic  rage, 
The  wrathful  chief  and  angry  gods  assuage. 
If  gifts  immense  his  mighty  soul  can  bow,* 
Hear,  all  ye  Greeks,  and  witness  what  I  vow: 
Ten  weighty  talents  of  the  purest  gold, 
And  twice  ten  vases  of  refulgent  mould: 
Seven  sacred  tripods,  whose  unsullied  frame 
Yet  knows  no  office,  nor  has  felt  the  flame; 
Twelve  steeds  unmatch'd  in  fleetness  and  in  force. 
And  still  victorious  in  the  dusty  course 
(Rich  were  the  man  whose  ample  stores  exceed 
The  prizes  purchased  by  their  winged  speed); 
Seven  lovely  captives  of  the  Lesbian  line, 
Skill'd  in  each  art,  unmatch'd  in  form  divine, 
The  same  I  chose  for  more  than  vulgar  charms, 
When  Lesbos  sank  beneath  the  hero's  arms: 
All  these,  to  buy  his  friendship,  shall  be  paid, 
And  join'd  with  these  the  long-contested  maid; 
With  all  her  charms,  Briseis  I  resign, 
And  solemn  swear  those  charms  were  never  mine; 
Untouch'd  she  stay'd,  uninjured  she  removes, 

*  In  the  heroic  times,  it  is  not  unfrequent  for  tlie  king  to  re- 
ceive presents  to  purchase  freedom  from  his  wrath,  or  immunity 
from  his  exactions.  Such  gifts  gradually  became  regular,  and 
formed  the  income  of  the  German  (Tacit.  Germ,  g  15),  Persian 
(Herodot.  iii.  89),  and  other  kings.  So,  too,  in  the  middle  ages, 
"  The  feudal  aids  are  the  beginning  of  taxation,  of  which  they  for 
a  long  time  answered  the  purpose."  (Hallam,  Middle  Ages,  ch. 
X.  pt.  1,  p.  189.)  This  fact  frees  Achilles  from  the  apparent 
charge  of  sordidness.  Plato,  however  (De  Rep.  vi.  4),  say.s,  "We 
cannot  commend  Phcenix,  the  tutor  of  Achilles,  as  if  he  spoke 
correctly,  when  coun.selling  him  to  accept  of  presents  and  as.sist 
the  Greeks,  but,  without  presents,  not  to  desist  from  his  wrath; 
nor  again,  should  we  commend  Achilles  himself,  or  approve  of 
his  being  so  covetous  as  to  receive  presents  from  Agamemnon," 
etc. 


THE  ILIAD.  233 

Pure  from  my  arms,  and  guiltless  of  my  loves,* 

These  instant  shall  be  his;  and  if  the  powers 

Give  to  our  arms  proud  Iliou's  hostile  towers, 

Then  shall  he  store  (when  Greece  the  spoils  divides) 

With  gold  and  brass  his  loaded  navy's  sides: 

Besides,  full  twenty  nymphs  of  Trojan  race 

With  copious  love  shall  crown  his  warm  embrace, 

Such  as  himself  will  choose;  who  yield  to  none. 

Or  yield  to  Helen's  heavenly  charms  alone. 

Yet  hear  me  further:  when  our  wars  are  o'er, 

If  safe  we  land  on  Argos'  fruitful  shore, 

There  shall  he  live  my  son,  our  honors  share, 

And  with  Orestes'  self  divide  my  care. 

Yet  more — three  daughters  in  my  court  are  bred, 

And  each  well  worthy  of  a  royal  bed; 

Laodice  and  Iphigenia  fair,f 

And  bright  Clirysothemis  with  golden  hair; 

Her  let  him  choose  wiiom  most  his  eyes  approve, 

I  ask  no  presents,  no  reward  for  love: 

Myself  will  give  the  dower;  so  vast  a  store 

As  never  father  gave  a  child  before. 

Seven  am})le  cities  shall  confess  his  sway, 

Ilim  Enope,  and  Pher;i3  him  obey, 

Cardamyle  witli  ample  turrets  crown'd, 

And  sacred  Pedasus  for  vines  renown'd; 

iEpca,  fair,  the  pastures  llira  yields, 

And  rich  Antheia  with  lier  ilowery  lields:J 

The  whole  extent  to  Pylos'  sandy  plain. 

Along  the  verdant  margin  of  the  main. 

There  heifers  graze,  and  laboring  oxan  toil; 

Bold  are  the  men,  and  generous  is  the  soil; 

There  shall  he  reign,  with  power  and  justice  crown'd, 

And  rule  the  tributary  realms  around. 

*  It  may  he  observed,  tliat,  brief  as  is  the  mention  of  Brisei's  in 
tlie  Iliad,  and  small  tlie  jiart  slie  jdavs — what  little  is  saiil  is  pre- 
eminently calculated  to  enhance  her  fitness  to  be  the  bride  of 
Achilles.  Purity,  and  retiring  delicacy,  are  features  well  con- 
trasted with  the  ronf.'-h,  but  tender  dispositir)n  of  the  hero. 

\  L< iodic e,.  Iphiaiiassa,  or  Ji)hi^renia,  is  not  mentioned  by 
Homer,  among  the  daughters  of  Aganunnnon. 

■J  "  AgamfMinon,  when  he  efTers  tf)  transfer  to  Achillfs  seven 
towns  inliabitfd  by  wealthy  iiusbandnifn,  wIk)  would  enrich  their 
lorfl  by  j»resentH  and  tribute,  seems  likewise  to  assume  rather  a 
])roperty  in  them,  than  an  authority  over  them.  And  the  same 
tiling  may  be  intimated  when  it  is  said  th.tl  I'eleus  bestowed  a 
great  peoj)li-,  the  Dolopes  of  I'hlhia,  on  i'iiomix." — ThirlwaH's 
Greece,  vol.  i.  i^  '>.  P-  1(J2,  n:te, 


234  THE  ILIAD. 

All  this  I  give,  his  vengeance  to  control, 

And  sure  all  this  may  move  his  mighty  soul. 

Pluto,  the  grisly  god,  who  never  spares, 

Who  feels  no  mercy,  and  who  hears  no  prayers, 

Lives  dark  and  dreadful  in  deep  hell's  abodes, 

And  mortals  hate  him,  as  the  worst  of  gods. 

Great  though  he  he,  it  fits  him  to  obey; 

Since  more  than  his  my  years,  and  more  my  sway." 

The  monarch  thus.     The  reverend  Nestor  then: 
"Great  Agamemnon!  glorious  king  of  men! 
Such  are  thy  oifers  as  a  prince  may  take. 
And  such  as  fits  a  generous  king  to  make. 
Let  chosen  delegates  this  hour  be  sent 
(Myself  will  name  them)  to  Pelides'  tent: 
Let  Phoenix  lead,  revered  for  hoary  age. 
Great  Ajax  next,  and  Ithacus  the  sage. 
Yet  more  to  sanctify  the  word  you  send, 
Let  Hodius  and  Eurybates  attend. 
Now  pray  to  Jove  to  grant  what  Greece  demands; 
Pray  in  deep  silence,*  and  with  purest  hands."f 

He  said;  and  all  approved.     The  heralds  bring 
The  cleansing  water  from  the  living  spring. 
The  youth  with  wine  the  sacred  goblets  crown'd, 
And  large  libations  drench'd  the  sands  around. 
The  rite  perform'd,  the  chiefs  their  thirst  allay. 
Then  from  the  royal  tent  they  take  their  way; 
AVise  Nestor  turns  on  each  his  careful  eye, 
Porbids  to  offend,  instructs  them  to  apply; 
Much  he  advised  them  all,  Ulysses  most. 
To  deprecate  the  chief,  and  save  the  host. 
Through  the  still  night  they  march,  and  hear  the  roar 
Of  murmuring  billows  on  the  sounding  shore. 
To  Neptune,  ruler  of  the  seas  profound. 
Whose  liquid  arms  the  mighty  globe  surround, 
They  pour  forth  vows,  their  embassy  to  bless, 
And  calm  the  rage  of  stern  ^acides. 
And  now,  arrived,  where  on  the  sandy  bay 
The  Myrmidonian  tents  and  vessels  lay; 

*  Pray  in  deep  silence.  Rather:  "  use  well-omened  words;" 
or,  as  Kennedy  has  explained  it,  "  Abstain  from  expressions  un- 
suitable to  the  solemnity  of  the  occasion,  which,  by  offending  the 
god,  might  defeat  the  object  of  their  supplications." 

f  Purest  hands.  This  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  superstitions 
respecting  prayer,  and  one  founded  as  much  in  nature  as  in  tra- 
dition. 


THE  ILIAD.  235 

Amused  at  ease,  the  godlike  man  they  fonnd, 

Pleased  with  the  solemn  harp's  harmonious  sound. 

(The  well-wrouglit  harp  from  conquered  Thebae  came; 

Of  polished  silver  was  its  costly  frame.) 

With  this  he  soothes  his  angry  soul,  and  sings 

The  immortal  deeds  of  heroes  and  of  kings. 

Patroclus  only  of  the  royal  train, 

Placed  in  his  tent,  attends  the  lofty  strain: 

Full  opposite  he  sat,  and  listen'd  long. 

In  silence  waiting  till  he  ceaSed  the  song. 

Unseen  the  Grecian  embassy  proceeds 

To  his  high  tent;  the  great  Ulysses  leads. 

Achilles  starting,  as  the  chiefs  he  spied, 

Leap'd  from  his  seat,  and  laid  the  harp  aside. 

With  like  surprise  arose  Mencetius'  sou: 

Pelides  grasp'd  their  hands,  and  thus  begun: 

"Princes,  all  hail  I  whatever  brought  you  here, 
Or  strong  necessity,  or  urgent  fear; 
Welcome,  though  Greeks  I  for  not  as  foes  ye  came: 
To  me  more  dear  than  all  that  bear  the  name." 

With  that,  the  chiefs  beneath  his  roof  he  led. 
And  placed  in  seats  with  purple  carpets  spread. 
Then  thus — -"Patroclus,  crown  a  larger  bowl, 
Mix  purer  wine,  and  open  every  soul. 
Of  all  tliC  warriors  yonder  host  can  send. 
Thy  friend  most  honors  these,  and  these  thy  friend." 

He  said:  Patroclus,  o'er  the  blazing  fire 
Heaps  in  a  brazen  vase  three  chines  entire: 
The  brazen  vase  Antomedon  sustains, 
Which  flesh  of  porker,  sheep,  and  goat  contains. 
Achilles  at  the  genial  feast  presides, 
The  parts  transtixes,  and  with  skill  divides. 
Meanwhile  Patroclus  sweats,  tiie  fire  to  raise, 
The  tent  is  brighton'd  with  the  rising  blaze: 
Then,  when  the  languid  flames  at  length  subside, 
He  strows  a  bed  of  glowing  embers  wide. 
Above  the  coals  the  smoking  fragments  turns 
And  sprinkles  sacred  salt  from  lifted  urn; 
With  broad  the  glittering  canisters  they  load, 
AVhich  round  tiie  board  Menwtius'  son  bestow'd; 
Himself,  op|)osed  to  Ulysses  full  in  sight, 
Each  portion  jiarts,  and  orders  every  rite. 
The  first  fat  offering  to  the  immortals  duo, 
Amidst  the  greedy  flames  Patroclus  throw; 
Then  each,  indulging  in  the  social  feast. 


236  THE  ILIAD. 

His  thirst  and  hanger  soberly  repress'd. 
Thut  (lone,  to  Phoenix  xljux  gave  the  sign; 
Not  unperceived;  Ul3'sse3  crown'd  with  wine 
The  foaming  bowl,  an  instant  thus  began, 
His  speech  addressing  to  the  godlike  man. 

"Health  to  AchillesI  happy  are  thy  guests! 
Not  those  more  honor'd  whom  Atrides  feasts: 
Though  generous  plenty  crown  thy  loaded  boards, 
That,  Agamemnon's  regal  tent  affords; 
But  greater  cares  sit  heav-y  on  our  souls, 
Nor  eased  by  banquets  or  by  flowing  bowls. 
What  scenes  of  slaughter  in  yon  fields  appear! 
The  dead  we  mourn,  and  for  the  living  fear; 
Greece  on  the  brink  of  fate  all  doubtful  stands, 
And  owns  no  help  but  from  thy  saving  hands: 
Troy  and  her  aids  for  ready  vengeance  call; 
Their  threatening  tents  already  shade  our  wall: 
Hear  how  with  shouts  their  conquest  they  proclaim. 
And  point  at  every  ship  their  vengeful  flame! 
For  them  tlie  father  of  the  gods  declares. 
Theirs  are  his  omens,  and  his  thunder  theirs. 
See,  full  of  Jove,  avenging  Hector  rise! 
See!  hea^'en  and  earth  the  raging  chief  defies; 
What  fury  in  his  breast,  what  lightning  in  his  eyes! 
He  waits  but  for  the  morn,  to  sink  in  flame 
The  ships,  the  Greeks,  and  all  the  Grecian  name. 
Heavens!  how  my  country's  woes  distract  ray  mind, 
Lest  Fate  accomplish  all  his  rage  design'd! 
And  must  we,  gods!  our  heads  inglorious  lay 
In  Trojan  dust,  and  this  the  fatal  day? 
Eeturn,  Achilles:  oh  return,  though  late. 
To  save  thy  Greeks,  and  stop  the  course  of  Fate; 
If  in  that  heart  or  grief  or  courage  lies. 
Rise  to  redeem;  ah,  yet  to  conquer,  rise! 
The  day  may  come,  when,  all  our  warriors  slain. 
That  heart  shall  melt,  that  courage  rise  in  vain: 
Regard  in  time,  0  prince  divinely  brave! 
Those  wholesome  counsels  which  thy  father  gave. 
When  Peleus  in  his  aged  arms  embraced 
His  parting  son,  these  accents  were  his  last: 

"  'My  child!  with  strength,  with  glory,  and  success, 
Thy  arms  may  Ju?io  and  Minerva  bless! 
Trust  that  to  Heaven;  but  thou,  thy  cares  engage 
To  calm  thy  passions,  and  subdue  thy  rage: 
From  gentler  manners  let  thy  glory  grow, 


THE  ILIAD.  237 

And  shun  contention,  the  sure  source  of  woe; 
That  young  and  old  may  in  thy  praise  combine, 

The  virtues  of  humanity  be  thine ' 

This  now-despised  advice  thy  father  gave; 

Ah!  check  thy  anger;  and  be  truly  brave. 

If  thou  wilt  yield  to  great  Atrides'  prayers, 

(lifts  worthy  thee  his  royal  hand  prepares; 

If  not — but  hear  me,  while  I  number  o'er 

The  proflfer'd  presents,  an  exhaustless  store. 

Ten  weighty  talents  of  the  purest  gold. 

And  twice  ten  vases  of  refulgent  mould; 

Seven  sacred  tripods,  whose  unsullied  frame 

Yet  knows  no  office,  nor  has  felt  the  flame; 

Twelve  steeds  unmatch'd  in  fleetness  and  in  force, 

And  still  victorious  in  the  dusty  course 

(Rich  were  the  man,  whose  ample  stores  exceed 

The  prizes  purchased  by  their  winged  speed); 

Seven  lovely  captives  of  the  Lesbian  line, 

Skill'd  in  each  art,  unmatch'd  in  form  divine. 

The  same  he  chose  for  more  than  vulgar  charms, 

When  Lesbos  sank  beneath  thy  conquering  arms. 

All  these,  to  buy  thy  friendship  shall  be  paid. 

And,  join'd  with  these,  the  long-contested  maid; 

AVith  all  her  charms,  Briseis  he'll  resign. 

And  solemn  swear  those  charms  were  only  thine. 

Untouch'd  she  stay'd,  uninjured  she  removes. 

Pure  from  his  arms,  and  guiltless  of  his  loves. 

These  instant  shall  be  thine;  and  if  the  powers 

Give  to  our  arms  proud  Ilion's  hostile  towers. 

Then  shalt  thou  store  (when  Greece  the  spoil  divides) 

With  gold  and  brass  thy  loaded  Tiavy's  sides. 

Besides,  full  twenty  nym2)hs  of  Trojan  race 

With  copious  love  shall  crown  thy  warm  embrace; 

Such  as  thyself  shall  choose;  who  yield  to  none, 

Or  yield  to  Helen's  heavenly  charms  alone. 

Yet  hear  me  further:  when  our  wars  are  o'er, 

If  safe  we  land  on  Argos'  fruitful  sliore, 

Tiiere  shalt  thou  live  liis  son,  his  honor  share, 

And  with  Orestes'  self  divide  his  care. 

Yet  more — three  daughters  in  his  court  are  brei, 

And  each  well  worthv  of  a  roval  bed; 

Laodice  and  Iphigcnia  fair. 

And  bright  Chrysothemis  with  golden  hair: 

Iler  shalt  thou  wed  whom  most  thy  eyes  approve; 

lie  asks  no  presents,  no  reward  for  love: 


238  THE  ILIAD. 

Himself  will  give  the  dower;  so  vast  a  store 

As  never  father  gave  a  child  before. 

Seven  amples  cities  shall  confess  thy  sway, 

The  Enope  and  Phera?  thee  obey, 

Cardaniyle  with  ample  turrets  crowu'd, 

And  sacred  Pedasus,  for  vines  renown'd: 

yEpea  fair,  the  pastures  Hira  yields. 

And  rich  Antheia  with  her  flowery  fields; 

The  whole  extent  to  Pylos'  sandy  plain. 

Along  the  verdant  margin  of  the  main. 

There  heifers  graze,  and  laboring  oxen  toil; 

Bold  are  the  men,  and  generous  is  the  soil. 

There  shalt  thou  reign,  with  power  and  justice  crown'd, 

And  rule  the  tributary  realms  around. 

Such  are  the  proffers  which  this  day  we  bring, 

Such  the  repentance  of  a  suppliant  king. 

But  if  all  this,  relentless,  thou  disdain, 

If  honor  and  if  interest  plead  in  vain. 

Yet  some  redress  to  suppliant  Greece  afford, 

And  be,  amongst  her  guardian  gods,  adored. 

If  no  regard  thy  suffering  country  claim. 

Hear  thy  own  glory,  and  the  voice  of  fame: 

For  now  that  chief,  whose  unresisted  ire 

Made  nations  tremble,  and  whole  hosts  retire, 

Proud  Hector,  now,  the  unequal  fight  demands, 

And  only  triumphs  to  deserve  thy  hands." 

Then  thus  the  goddess-born:  "Ulysses,  hear 
A  faithful  speech,  that  knows  nor  art  nor  fear; 
What  in  my  secret  soul  is  understood, 
My  tongue  shall  utter,  and  my  deeds  make  good. 
Let  Greece  then  know,  my  purpose  I  retain: 
Nor  with  new  treaties  vex  my  peace  in  vain. 
Who  dares  think  one  thing,  and  another  tell, 
My  heart  detests  him  as  the  gates  of  hell. 

"Then  thus  in  short  my  fix'd  resolves  attend, 
Which  nor  Atrides  nor  his  Greeks  can  bend; 
Long  toils,  long  perils,  in  their  cause  I  bore, 
But  now  the  unfruitful  glories  charm  no  more. 
Fight  or  not  fight,  a  like  reward  we  claim. 
The  wretch  and  hero  find  their  prize  the  same. 
Alike  regretted  in  the  dust  he  lies, 
Who  yields  ignobly,  or  who  bravely  dies. 
Of  all  my  dangers,  all  my  glorious  gains, 
A  life  of  labors,  lo!  what  fruit  remains? 
As  the  bold  bird  her  helpless  young  attends, 


THE  ILIAD.  '  239 

From  danger  guards  them,  and  from  want  defends-, 

In  search  of  prey  she  wings  the  spacious  air, 

And  with  the  untasted  food  supplies  her  care; 

For  thankless  Greece  such  hardships  have  I  braved, 

Her  wives,  her  infants,  by  my  labors  saved; 

Long  sleepless  nights  in  heavy  arms  I  stood. 

And  sweat  laborious  days  in  dust  and  blood. 

I  sack'd  twelve  ample  cities  on  the  main,* 

And  twelve  lay  smoking  on  the  Trojan  plain: 

Then  at  Atrides'  haughty  feet  were  laid 

The  wealth  I  gather'd,  and  the  spoils  I  made. 

Your  mighty  monarch  these  in  peace  possess'd; 

Some  few  my  soldiers  had,  himself  the  rest. 

Some  present,  too,  to  every  prince  was  paid; 

And  every  prince  enjoys  the  gift  he  made: 

I  only  must  refund,  of  all  his  train; 

See  what  pre-eminence  our  merits  gain! 

My  spoil  alone  his  greedy  soul  delights; 

My  spouse  alone  must  bless  his  lustful  nights: 

The  woman,  let  him  (as  he  may)  enjoy; 

But  what's  the  quarrel,  then,  of  Greece  to  Troy? 

What  to  these  shores  the  assembled  nations  draws, 

What  calls  for  vengeance  but  a  woman's  cause? 

Are  fair  endowments  and  a  beauteous  face 

Beloved  by  none  but  those  of  Atreus'  race? 

The  wife  whom  choice  and  passion  doth  approve, 

Sure  every  wise  and  worthy  man  will  love. 

Nor  did  my  fair  one  less  distinction  claim; 

Slave  as  she  was,  my  soul  adored  the  dame. 

Wrong'd  in  my  love,  all  prolTers  I  disdain; 

Deceived  for  once,  I  trust  not  kings  again. 

Ye  have  my  answer — what  remains  to  do. 

Your  king,  Ulj'sses,  may  consult  with  you. 

What  needs  he  the  defence  tiiis  arm  can  make? 

lias  he  not  walls  no  human  force  can  shake? 

Has  he  not  fenced  his  guarded  navy  round 

With  piles,  with  rainiiarts,  and  a  trench  profound? 

And  will  not  these  (the  wonders  he  has  done) 


*  It  must  be  recollected  that  the  war  at  Troy  was  not  a  settlcMl 
siege,  and  that  many  of  tlie  cliicftains  busied  tliemselves  in 
piratical  expeditions  aijoiit  its  neigbiiorbood.  Such  a  one  was 
that  of  wliicli  Ardiilics  now  speaks.  I'Voin  tlic  followiiiff  verses, 
it  is  evident  tliat  tlie  fruits  of  tlicse  niaramlings  went  to  the 
common  supj)ort  of  the  expedition,  and  not  to  the  succesirful 
plunderer. 


240  i'SE  ILIAD. 

Repel  the  rage  of  Priam's  single  son? 

There  was  a  time  ('twas  when  for  Greece  I  fought) 

When  Hector's  prowess  no  such  wonders  wrought; 

He  kept  the  verge  of  Troy,  nor  dared  to  wait 

Achilles'  fury  at  the  Sceean  gate; 

He  tried  it  once,  and  scarce  was  saved  by  fate. 

But  now  these  ancient  enmities  are  o'er; 

To-morrow  we  the  favoring  gods  implore; 

Then  shall  yoii  see  our  parting  vessels  crown'd, 

And  hear  with  oars  the  Hellespont  resound. 

The  third  day  hence  shall  Pthia  greet  our  sails,* 

If  mighty  Neptune  send  propitious  gales; 

Pthia  to  her  Achilles  shall  restore 

The  wealth  he  left  for  this  detested  shore: 

Thither  the  spoils  of  this  long  war  shall  pass, 

The  ruddy  gold,  the  steel,  and  shining  brass: 

My  beauteous  captives  thither  I'll  convey, 

And  all  that  rests  of  my  unravish'd  prey. 

One  only  valued  gift  your  tyrant  gave, 

And  that  resumed — the  fair  Lyrnessian  slave. 

Then  tell  him:  loud,  that  all  the  Greeks  may  hear, 

And  learn  to  scorn  the  wretch  they  basely  fear 

(For  arm'd  in  impudence,  mankind  he  braves, 

And  meditates  new  cheats  on  all  his  slaves; 

Though  shameless  as  he  is,  to  face  these  eyes 

Is  what  he  dares  not:  if  he  dares  he  dies); 

Tell,  him,  all  terms,  all  counnerce  I  decline, 

Nor  share  his  council,  nor  his  battle  join; 

For  once  deceiv'd,  was  his;  but  twice  were  mine. 

No — let  the  stupid  prince,  whom  Jove  deprives 

Of  sense  and  justice,  run  where  frenzy  drives: 

His  gifts  are  hateful:  kings  of  such  a  kind 

(Stand  but  as  slaves  before  a  noble  mind, 

Not  though  he  proffer'd  all  himself  possess'd. 

And  all  his  rapine  could  from  others  wrest: 

Not  all  the  golden  tides  of  wealth  that  crown 

The  many-peopled  Orchomenian  town;f 

*  Pthia,  the  capital  of  Achilles'  Thessalian  domains. 

f  Orchomenian  town.  The  topography  of  Orchomenus,  in 
Boeotia,  "  situated,"  as  it  was,  "on  the  northern  bank  of  the  lake 
^pais,  which  receives  not  only  the  river  Cephisus  from  the 
valleys  of  Pliocis,  but  also  other  rivers  from  Parnassus  and  Hel- 
icon "  ((irote,  vol.  i.  p.  181),  was  a  sufficient  reason  for  its  pros- 
perity and  decay.  "  As  long  as  the  channels  of  these  waters  were 
diligently  watched  and  kept  clear,  a  large  portion  of  the  lake  was 
in  the  condition  of  alluvial  land,  pre-eminently  rich  and  fertile. 


THE  ILIAD.  241 

Not  all  proiwl  Thebes'  nnriyaird  walls  contain, 

The  workl's  great  empress  on  the  Egyptian  plain 

(Tliat  spreads  her  conquests  o'er  a  thousand  states, 

Ami  pours  her  heroes  throngh  a  hundred  gates, 

Two  hundred  horsemen  and  two  hundred  cars 

From  each  wide  portal  issuing  to  the  wars);* 

Though  bribes  were  heap'd  on  bribes,  in  nnmber  more 

Than  dust  in  fields,  or  sands  along  the  shore; 

Should  all  these  offers  for  my  friendship  call, 

'Tis  he  that  offers,  and  1  scorn  them  all. 

Atrides'  daughter  never  shall  be  led 

(An  ill-match'd  consort)  to  Achilles'  bed; 

Like  golden  Venus  though  she  charm'd  the  heart, 

And  vied  with  Pallas  in  the  works  of  art; 

Some  greater  Greek  let  those  high  iiuptials  grace, 

I  hate  alliance  with  a  tyrant's  race. 

If  heaven  restore  me  to  my  realms  with  life, 

The  reverend  Peleus  shall  elect  my  wife; 

Thessalian  nymphs  there  are  of  form  divine, 

And  kings  that  sue  to  mix  their  blood  with  mine. 

Bless'd  in  kind  love,  my  years  shall  glide  away, 

Content  with  jnst  hereditary  sway; 

There,  deaf  forever  to  the  niartial  strife, 

Enjoy  the  dear  prerogative  of  life. 

Life  is  not  to  be  bought  with  heaps  of  gold. 

Not  all  Apollo's  Pythian  treasures  hold, 

Or  Troy  once  held,  in  peace  and  pride  of  sway. 

Can  bribe  the  poor  possession  of  a  day! 

Lost  herds  and  treasures  we  by  arms  regain. 

And  steeds  unrivall'd  on  the  dusty  plain: 

But  from  our  lips  the  vital  spirit  fled. 

Returns  no  more  to  Avake  the  silent  dead. 

My  fates  long  since  by  Thetis  were  disclosed, 

And  each  alternate,  life  or  fame,  proposed; 

Here,  if  I  say,  before  the  Trojan  town. 

Short  is  my  date,  but  deathless  my  renown: 

If  1  return,  I  quit  immortal  praise 

For  years  on  years,  and  long-extended  days. 

But  when  the  channels  came  to  he  either  nejjlected,  or  designedly 
choked  up  by  an  enemy,  the  water  accumulated  in  such  a  degree 
as  tf>  (tcciipy  the  soil  fd'  more  than  one  ancient  islet,  and  to  occasion 
the  change  of  the  site  of  Orchomi-iiUH  itself  Iruni  the  plain  to  the 
declivity  of  Mf)nnt  llvphanteion."     (Jhid.)_ 

*  The  phrase  "hundred  gates,"  etc.,  seems  to  be  merely  ex- 
pressive of  a  great  number.  See  notes  to  mv  prose  translation, 
p.  162. 


242  THE  ILIAD. 

Couviuced,  though  late,  I  find  my  fond  mistake, 

And  warn  the  Greeks  the  wiser  choice  to  make; 

To  quit  these  shores,  their  native  seats  enjo}', 

Nor  hope  the  fall  of  heaven-defended  Troy. 

Jove's  arm  display'd  asserts  her  from  the  skies! 

Her  hearts  are  strengthen'd,  and  her  glories  rise. 

Go  then  to  Greece,  report  our  fix'd  design; 

Bid  all  your  counsels,  all  your  armies  join; 

Let  all  your  forces,  all  your  arts  conspire, 

To  save  the  ships,  the  troops,  the  chiefs,  from  fire. 

One  stratagem  has  fail'd,  and  others  will: 

Ye  find,  Achilles  is  uncouquered  still. 

Go  then — digest  my  message  as  ye  ma}'' — 

But  here  this  night  let  reverend  Phoenix  stay: 

His  tedious  toils  and  hoary  hairs  demand 

A  peaceful  death  in  Pthia's  friendly  land. 

But  whether  he  remain  or  sail  with  me, 

His  age  be  sacred,  and  his  will  be  free." 

The  son  of  Peleus  ceased:  the  chiefs  around 
In  silence  wrapt,  in  consternation  drown'd, 
Attend  the  stern  rejily.     Then  Phcenix  rose 
(Down  his  white  beard  a  stream  of  sorrow  flows); 
And  while  the  fate  of  suffering  Greece  he  mouru'd, 
With  accent  weak  these  tender  words  returu'd. 

•'Divine  AchillesI  wilt  thou  then  retire. 
And  leave  our  hosts  in  blood,  our  fleets  on  fire? 
If  wrath  so  dreadful  fill  thy  ruthless  mind, 
How  shall  thy  friend,  thy  Phoenix,  stay  behind? 
The  royal  Peleus,  when  from  Pthia's  coast 
He  sent  thee  early  to  the  Achaian  host; 
Thy  youth  as  then  in  sage  debates  unskill'd, 
And  new  to  perils  of  the  direful  field: 
He  bade  me  teach  thee  all  ways  of  war, 
To  shine  in  councils,  and  in  camps  to  dare. 
Never,  ah,  never  let  me  leave  thy  side! 
No  time  shall  part  us,  and  no  fate  divide, 
Not  though  the  god,  that  breathed  my  life,  restore 
The  bloom  I  boasted,  and  the  port  I  bore, 
When  Greece  of  old  beheld  my  youthful  flames 
(Delightful  Greece,  the  laud  of  lovely  dames), 
My  father  faithless  to  my  mother's  arms. 
Old  as  he  was,  adored  a  stranger's  charms. 
I  tried  what  youth  could  do  (at  her  desire) 
To  win  the  damsel,  and  prevent  my  sire. 
My  sire  with  curses  loads  my  hated  head, 


TEE  ILIAD.  243 

And  cries,  'Ye  furies!  barren  be  his  bed.' 

Infernal  Jove,  the  vengeful  fiends  below, 

And  ruthless  Proserpine,  confirm'd  his  vow. 

Despair  and  grief  distract  my  laboring  mind! 

Godsl  what  a  crime  my  impious  heart  design'd! 

I  thought  (but  some  kind  god  that  thought  suppress'd) 

To  plunge  the  poinard  in  my  father's  breast; 

Then  meditate  my  flight:  my  friends  in  vain 

With  prayers  entreat  me,  and  with  force  detain. 

On  fat  of  rams,  black  bulls,  and  brawny  swine, 

They  daily  feast,  with  draughts  of  fragrant  wine; 

Strong  guards  they  placed,  and   watch'd  nine  nights 

entire, 
The  roofs  and  porches  flamed  with  constant  fire. 
The  tenth,  I  forced  the  gates,  unseen  of  all: 
And  favor'd  by  the  night,  o'erleap'd  the  wall. 
My  travels  thence  through  spacious  Greece  extend; 
In  Phthia's  court  at  last  my  labors  end. 
Your  sire  received  me,  as  his  son  caress'd, 
With  gifts  enrich'd,  and  with  possessions  bless'd. 
The  strong  Dolopians  thenceforth  own'd  my  reign, 
And  all  the  coast  that  runs  along  the  main. 
By  love  to  thee  his  bounties  I  repaid, 
And  early  wisdom  to  thy  soul  convey'd : 
Great  as  thou  art,  my  lessons  made  thee  brave: 
A  child  I  took  thee,  but  a  hero  gave. 
Thy  infant  breast  a  like  affection  show'd; 
Still  in  my  arms  (an  ever-pleasing  load) 
Or  at  my  knee,  by  Phoenix  would'st  thou  stand; 
No  food  was  grateful  but  from  Phoenix's  hand.* 
I  pass  my  watchings  o'er  thy  helpless  years, 
The  tender  labors,  the  compliant  cares; 

*  Compare  the  following  pretty  lines  of  Quintus  Calaber  (Dyce's 
Select  Translations,  p.  88): 

"  Many  gifts  he  gave,  and  o'er 
Dolopia  bade  me  rule:  thee  in  his  arms 
He  brouglit  an  infant,  on  my  bosom  laid 
The  precious  cliarg<!,  and  anxiously  enjoin'd 
That  I  should  rear  tlit^e  as  my  own  with  all 
A  parent's  love.     I  fail'd  not  in  my  trust; 
And  oft,  while  roun<l  my  neck  thy  hands  were  lock'd, 
From  thy  sweet  lips  the  half-articulate  sound 
Of  Father  came;  and  oft,  as  child rt^n  use. 
Mewling  and  i)ul<ing  didst  thou  drench  my  tunic." 
"This  description,"  observes  my  learned   friend  (notes,  p.  121), 
"  is  taken  f^om  the  passage  of  Homer,  II.  ix.,  in  translating  which, 
Pope,  with  that  .squeamish,  artificial  taste,  which  distinguished 


244  THE  ILIAD. 

The  gods  (I  thought)  reversed  their  hard  decree, 

And  Phoenix  felt  a  father's  joys  in  thee: 

Thy  growing  virtues  justified  my  cares, 

And  promised  comfort  to  my  silver  hairs. 

Now  be  thy  rage,  thy  fatal. rage,  resign'd; 

A  cruel  heart  ill  suits  a  manly  mind: 

The  gods  (the  only  great,  and  only  wise) 

Are  moved  by  offerings,  vows,  and  sacrifice; 

Offending  man  their  high  compassion  wins, 

And  daily  prayers  atone  for  daily  sins. 

Prayers  are  Jove's  daughters,  of  celestial  race, 

Lame  are  their  teet,  and  wrinkled  is  their  face; 

With  humble  mien,  and  with  dejected  eyes, 

Constant  they  follow,  where  injustice  flies: 

Injustice  swift,  erect,  and  unconfined. 

Sweeps  the  wide  earth,  and  tramples  o'er  mankiiid, 

While  Prayers,  to  heal  her  wrongs  move  slow  behind, 

Who  hears  these  daughters  of  almighty  Jove, 

For  him  they  mediate  to  the  throne  above: 

When  man  rejects  the  humble  suit  they  make, 

The  sire  revenges  for  the  daughter's  sake; 

From  Jove  commission'd,  fierce  injustice  then 

Descends  to  punish  unrelenting  men. 

0  let  not  headlong  passion  bear  the  sway 

These  reconciling  goddesses  obey: 

Due  honors  to  the  seed  of  Jove  belong, 

Due  honors  calm  the  fierce,  and  bend  the  strong. 

Were  these  not  paid  thee  by  the  terms  we  bring, 

Were  rage  still  harbor'd  in  the  haughty  king; 

Nor  Greece  nor  all  her  fortunes  should  engage 

Thy  friend  to  plead  against  so  just  a  rage. 

But  since  what  honor  asks  the  general  sends, 

And  sends  by  those  whom  thy  heart  commands, 

The  best  and  noblest  of  the  Grecian  train; 

Permit  not  these  to  sue,  and  sue  in  vain! 

Let  me  (my  son)  an  ancient  fact  unfold, 

A  great  example  drawn  from  times  of  old; 

Hear  what  our  fathers  were,  and  what  their  praise, 

the   age   of   Anne,  omits  the  natural  (and,  let  me  add,  affecting, 
circumstance." 

"  And  the  wine 

Held  to  thy  lips;  and  many  a  time  in  fits 

Of  infant  frowardness,  the  ])urj)le  juice 

Rejecting,  thou  hast  deluged  all  my  vest 

And  fill'd  my  bosom." — Cow  per. 


THE  ILIAD.  245 

Who  conqner'd  their  revenge  in  former  days. 

"Where  Calydon  on  rocky  mountains  stands* 
Once  fought  the  ^Etolian  and  Curetian  bands; 
To  guard  it  those;  to  conquer,  these  advance; 
And  mutual  deaths  were  dealt  with  mutual  chance. 
The  silver  Cynthia  bade  contention  rise, 
In  vengeance  of  neglected  sacrifice; 
On  CEneus  fields  she  sent  a  monstrous  boar. 
That  levell'd  harvests,  and  whole  forests  tore: 
This  beast  (when  many  a  chief  his  tusks  had  slain) 
Great  ]\releager  stretch 'd  along  the  plain, 
Then,  for  his  spoils,  a  new  debate  arose, 
The  neighbor  nations  thence  commencing  foes. 
Strong  as  they  were,  the  bold  Curetes  fail'd, 
While  Meleager's  thundering  arm  prevail'd  : 
Till  rage  at  length  inflamed  his  lofty  breast 
(For  rage  invades  the  wisest  and  the  best). 

"Cursed  by  Althjea,  to  his  wrath  he  yields, 
And  in  his  wife's  embrace  forgets  the  fields. 
(She  from  Marpessa  sprung,  divinely  fair, 
And  matchless  Idas,  more  than  man  in  war: 
The  god  of  day  adored  the  mother's  charms; 
Against  the  god  the  father  bent  his  arms: 
The  afflicted  pair,  their  sorrows  to  proclaim, 
From  Cleopatra  changed  their  daughter's  name, 
And  call'd  Alcyone;  a  name  to  show 
The  father's  grief,  the  mourning  mother's  woe.) 
To  her  the  chief  retired  from  stern  debate. 
But  found  no  peace  from  fierce  Althaea's  hate: 
Athiea's  hate  the  unhappy  wan-ior  drew. 
Whose  luckless  hand  his  royal  uncle  slew; 
She  beat  the  ground,  and  call'd  the  powers  beneath 
On  her  own  son  to  wreak  her  brother's  death; 
llell  lieard  her  curses  from  the  realms  profound, 
And  the  red  fiends  that  walk  the  nightly  round. 
In  vain  ^tolia  her  deliverer  waits, 
AV^ir  sliakos  her  walls,  and  tiiunders  at  her  gates. 
She  sent  ambassadors,  a  chosen  band, 
Priests  of  the  gods,  and  elders  of  the  land; 
Hesought  the  ciiief  to  save  the  sinking  state: 
Their  prayers  were  urgent,  and  their  prolTers  great 
(Full  lifty  acres  of  the  richest  ground, 

*  Where  ( 'ahfdon.  For  a  pood  Bketcli  of  the  aiory  of  Meleaf,'er, 
too  loiif^  til  Ik-  iiisfrt«'(l  licre,  st-i;  (ii'olc,  vol.  i.  ]>.  19'),  wjii.;  aiul 
for  the  autboritifs,  Kue  u\y  notes  to  the  prose  truuslatiou,  p.  ICO. 


246  THE  ILIAD. 

Half  pasture  green,  and  half  with  vineyards  crown'd); 

His  suppliant  fatlier,  aged  CRneus,  came; 

His  sisters  follow'd;  even  the  vengeful  dame, 

Althtea,  sues;  his  friends  hefore  him  fall: 

He  stands  relentless,  and  rejects  them  all. 

Meanwhile  the  victor's  shouts  ascend  the  skies; 

The  walls  are  scaled;  the  rolling  flames  arise; 

At  length  his  wife  (a  form  divine)  appears. 

With  piercing  cries,  and  supplicating  tears; 

She  paints  the  horrors  of  a  conquer'd  town, 

The  heroes  slain,  the  palaces  o'erthrown, 

The  matrons  ravish'd,  the  whole  race  enslaved; 

The  warrior  heard,  he  vanquish'd,  and  he  saved. 

The  ^tolians,  long  disdain'd,  now  took  their  turn, 

And  left  the  chief  their  broken  faith  to  mourn. 

Learn  hence,  betimes  to  curb  pernicious  ire, 

Nor  stay  till  yonder  fleets  ascend  in  fire; 

Accept  the  presents;  draw  thy  conquering  sword; 

And  be  amongst  our  guardian  gods  adored." 

Thus  he:  the  stern  Achilles  thus  replied: 
*'My  second  father,  and  my  reverend  guide: 
Thy  friend,  believe  me,  no  such  gifts  demands, 
And  asks  no  honors  from  a  mortal's  hands; 
Jove  honors  me,  and  favors  my  designs; 
His  pleasure  guides  me,  and  his  will  confines; 
And  here  I  stay  (if  such  his  high  behest) 
While  life's  warm  spirit  beats  within  my  breast. 
Yet  hear  one  word,  and  lodge  it  in  thy  heart: 
No  more  molest  me  on  Atrides'  part: 
Is  it  for  him  these  tears  are  taught  to  flow, 
For  him  these  sorrows?  for  my  mortal  foe? 
A  generous  friendship  no  cold  medium  knows, 
Burns  with  one  love,  with  one  resentment  glows; 
One  should  our  interests  and  our  passions  be; 
My  friend  must  hate  the  man  that  injures  me. 
Do  this,  my  Phcenix,  'tis  a  generous  part; 
And  share  my  realms,  my  honors,  and  my  heart. 
Let  these  return:  our  voyage,  or  our  stay, 
Eest  undetermined  till  the  dawning  day." 

He  ceased;  then  order'd  for  the  sage's  bed 
A  warmer  couch  with  numerous  carpets  spread 
With  that,  stern  Ajax  his  long  silence  broke, 
And  thus,  impatient,  to  Ulysses  spoke: 

"Hence  let  us  go— why  waste  we  time  in  vain? 
See  what  effect  our  low  submissions  gain! 


THE  ILIAI).  247 

Liked  or  not  liked,  his  words  we  must  relate, 
The  Greeks  expect  them,  and  our  heroes  wait. 
Proud  as  he  is,  that  iron  heart  retains 
Its  stubborn  purpose,  and  his  friends  disdains. 
Stern  and  un  pi  tying!  if  a  brother  bleed. 
On  just  atonement,  we  remit  the  deed; 
A  sire  the  slaughter  of  his  son  forgives; 
The  price  of  blood  dischaiged,  the  murderer  lives: 
The  haughtiest  hearts  at  length  their  rage  resign, 
And  gifts  can  conquer  every  soul  but  thine.* 
The  gods  that  unrelenting  breast  have  steel'd. 
And  cursed  thee  with  a  mind  that  cannot  yield. 
One  woman-slave  was  ravish'd  from  thy  arms: 
Lo,  seven  are  offer'd,  and  of  equal  charms. 
Then  hear,  Achilles!  be  of  better  mind; 
Revere  thy  roof,  and  to  thy  guests  be  kind; 
And  know  the  men  of  all  the  Grecian  host, 
AVho  honor  worth,  and  prize  thy  valor  most." 

"0  soul  of  battles,  and  thy  people's  guide! 
(To  Ajax  thus  the  first  of  Greeks  replied) 
Well  hast  thou  spoke;  but  at  the  tyrant's  name 
My  rage  rekindles,  and  my  soul's  on  flame: 
'Tis  just  resentment,  and  becomes  the  brave: 
Disgraced,  dishonor'd,  like  the  vilest  slave! 
Return,  then,  heroes!  and  our  answer  bear, 
The  glorious  combat  is  no  more  my  care; 
Not  till,  amidst  yon  sinking  navy  slain, 
The  blood  of  Greeks  shall  dye  the  sable  main; 
Not  till  the  tlames,  by  Hector's  fury  thrown. 
Consume  your  vessels,  and  approach  my  own; 
Just  there,  tiie  impetuous  homicide  shall  stand, 
There  cease  his  battle,  and  there  feel  our  hand." 

This  said,  each  prince  a  douljle  goblet  crown'd. 
And  cast  a  large  libation  on  the  ground; 
Then  to  their  vessels,  through  the  gloomy  shades. 
The  chiefs  return;  divine  Ulysses  leads. 
Meantime  Achilles'  slaves  prepared  a  bed. 
With  fleeces,  carpets,  and  soft  linen  spread : 

*  O if tH  can  conquer.  It  is  well  observed  by  Bishop  Thiilwall, 
"  (ireece,"  vol.  i.  p.  180,  that  "  the  law  of  honor  aiiionfr  the 
(iri'ck.s  (lid  nf)t  coiiipfl  tiiein  to  treasure  up  in  tlicir  memory  the 
ofTensivc  lanf;i;a;^e  wliicii  mi^ht  In;  addressed  to  them  by  a  jms- 
sionate  adversary,  nnr  to  roiiceive  tliat  it  left  a  stain  wliicli  couhl 
f)nly  be  washed  away  by  ldr)od.  Even  for  rr'al  and  deep  injuries 
they  were  commonly  willing  to  accept  a  pecuniary  coniiiensniion." 


248  THE  ILIAD. 

There,  till  the  sacred  morn  restorer!  the  day, 
lu  slumber  sweet  the  reverend  Phoenix  lay. 
But  in  his  inner  tent,  an  ampler  space, 
Achilles  slept;  and  in  his  warm  embrace 
Fair  Diomede  of  the  Lesbian  race. 
Last,  for  Patroclus  was  the  couch  prepared. 
Whose  nightly  joys  the  beauteous  Iphis  shared; 
Achilles  to  his  friend  consign'd  her  charms 
When  Scyros  fell  before  his  conquering  arms. 

And  now  the  elected  chiefs  whom  G-reece  had  sent, 
Pass'd  through  the  hosts,  and  reach'd  the  royal  tent, 
Then  rising  all,  with  goblets  in  their  hands, 
The  peers  and  leaders  of  the  Achaian  bands 
Hailed  their  return:  Atrides  first  begun: 

"Say  what  success?  divine  Laertes'  son! 
Achilles'  high  resolves  declare  to  all: 
Keturns  the  chief,  or  must  our  navy  fall?" 

"Great  king  of  nations!     (Ithacus  replied) 
Fix'd  is  his  wrath,  uuconquer'd  is  his  pride; 
He  slights  thy  friendship,  thy  proposals  scorns, 
And,  thus  implored,  with  fiercer  fury  burns. 
To  save  our  army,  and  our  fleets  to  free. 
Is  not  his  care;  but  left  to  Greece  and  thee. 
Your  eyes  shall  view,  when  morning  paints  the  sky, 
Beneath  his  oars  the  whitening  billows  fly; 
Us  too  he  bids  our  oars  and  sails  employ. 
Nor  hope  the  fall  of  heaven-protected  Troy; 
For  Jove  o'ershades  her  with  his  arm  divine, 
Inspires  her  war,  and  bids  her  glory  shine. 
Such  was  his  word:  what  further  he  declared, 
These  sacred  heralds  and  great  Ajax  heard. 
But  Phoenix  in  his  tent  the  chief  retains, 
Safe  to  transport  him  to  his  native  plains 
When  morning  dawns;  if  other  he  decree, 
His  age  is  sacred,  and  his  choice  is  free." 

Ulysses  ceased  :  the  great  Achaian  host, 
With  sorrow  seized,  in  consternation  lost, 
Attend  the  stern  reply.     Tydides  broke 
The  general  silence,  and  undaunted  spoke. 

"Why  should  we  gifts  to  proud  Achilles  send 
Or  strive  with  prayers  his  haughty  soul  to  bend? 
His  country's  woes  he  glories  to  deride. 
And  prayers  will  burst  that  swelling  heart  with  jDride. 
Be  the  fierce  impulse  of  his  rage  obey'd, 
Our  battles  let  him  or  desert  or  aid; 


THE  ILIAD.  249 

Then  let  him  arm  when  Jove  or  he  think  fit: 
That,  to  his  madness,  or  to  Heaven  commit: 
What  for  ourselves  we  can,  is  always  ours; 
This  night,  let  due  repast  refresh  our  powers 
(For  strength  consists  in  spirits  and  in  blood, 
And  those  are  owed  to  generous  wine  and  food); 
But  when  the  rosy  messenger  of  day 
Strikes  the  blue  mountains  with  her  golden  ray, 
Hanged  at  the  ships,  let  all  our  squadrons  shine 
In  flaming  arms,  a  long  extended  line: 
In  the  dread  front  let  great  Atrides  stand. 
The  first  in  danger,  as  in  high  command." 

Shouts  of  acclaim  the  listening  heroes  raise, 
Then  each  to  Heaven  the  due  libations  joays; 
Till  sleep,  descending  o'er  the  tents,  bestows 
The  grateful  blessings  of  desired  repose.* 

*  "  The  boon  of  sleep. "--Milton. 


250  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  X. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE   NIGHT-ADVEKTURE   OF    DIOMED   AKD   ULYSSES. 

Upon  the  refusal  of  Acliilles  to  return  to  the  army,  the  distress  of 
Agamemnon  is  described  in  the  most  lively  manner.  He 
takes  no  rest  that  night,  but  passes  through  the  camp,  awak- 
ing the  leaders,  and  contriving  all  possible  methods  for  the 
public  safety.  Menelaiis,  Nestor,  Ulysses,  and  Diomed  are 
employed  in  raising  the  rest  of  the  captains.  They  call  a 
council  of  war,  and  determine  to  send  scouts  into  the  enemies' 
camp,  to  learn  their  posture  and  discover  their  intentions. 
Diomed  undertakes  this  hazardous  enterprise,  and  makes 
choice  of  Ulysses  for  his  companion.  In  their  passage  they 
.  surprise  Dolon,  whom  Hector  had  sent  on  a  like  design  to 
the  camp  of  the  Grecians.  From  him  they  are  informed  of 
the  situation  of  the  Trojan  and  auxiliary  forces;  and  particu- 
larly of  Rhesus,  and  the  Thracians  who  were  lately  arrived. 
They  pass  on  with  success;  kill  Rhesus,  with  several  of  his 
oiBcers,  and  seize  the  famous  horses  of  that  prince,  with  which 
they  return  in  triumph  to  the  camp. 

The  same  night  continues;  the  scene  lies  in  the  two  camps 

All  night  the  chiefs  before  their  vessels  lay, 

And  lost  in  sleep  the  hibors  of  the  day: 

All  but  the  king:  with  various  thoughts  oppress'd,* 

His  country's  cares  lay  rolling  in  his  breast. 

As  wben  by  lightnings  Jove's  ethereal  power 

Foretells  the  rattling  hail,  or  weighty  shower, 

Or  sends  soft  snows  to  whiten  all  the  shore. 

Or  bids  the  brazen  throat  of  war  to  roar; 

By  fits  one  flash  succeeds  as  one  expires. 

And  heaven  flames  thick  with  momentary  fires: 

So  bursting  frequent  from  Atrides'  breast, 

Sighs  following  sighs  his  inward  fears  confess'd. 

Now  o'er  the  fields,  dejected,  he  surveys 

*  "  All  else  of  nature's  common  gift  partake: 
Unhappy  Pido  was  alone  awake." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  iv.  767. 


THE  ILIAD.  251 

From  thousand  Trojan  fires  the  mounting  blaze; 
Hears  in  the  passing  wind  their  music  blow, 
And  marks  distinct  the  voices  of  tlie  foe. 
Now  looking  backwards  to  the  fleet  and  coast, 
Anxious  he  sorrows  for  the  endanger'd  host. 
He  rends  his  hair,  in  sacrifice  to  Jove, 
And  sues  to  him  tliat  ever  lives  above: 
Inly  he  groans;  while  glory  and  despair 
Divide  his  heart,  and  wage  a  double  war. 

A  thousand  cares  his  laboring  breast  revolves; 
'I'o  seek  sage  Nestor  now  the  chief  resolves. 
With  him,  in  wholesome  counsels,  to  debate 
What  yet  remains  to  save  the  afflicted  state. 
He  rose,  and  first  he  cast  his  mantle  round, 
Next  on  his  feet  the  shining  sandals  bound; 
A  lion's  yellow  spoils  his  back  conceal'd; 
His  warlike  hand  a  pointed  javelin  held. 
Meanwhile  iiis  brother,  pressed  with  equal  woes, 
Alike  denied  the  gifts  of  soft  repose 
Laments  for  Greece,  that  in  his  cause  before 
So  much  had  suffer'd  and  must  suffer  more. 
A  leopard's  spotted  hide  his  shoulders  spread; 
A  brazen  helmet  glitter'd  on  his  head: 
Thus  (witli  a  javelin  in  his  hand)  he  went 
To  wake  Atrides  in  the  royal  tent. 
Already  waked,  Atrides  he  descried. 
His  armor  buckling  at  his  vessel's  side. 
Joyful  they  met;  the  Spartan  thus  begun: 
"Why  puts  my  brother  his  bright  armor  on? 
Sends  he  some  spy,  amidst  these  silent  hours. 
To  try  yon  camp,  and  watch  the  Trojan  })owers? 
liut  say  what  liuro  shall  sustain  that  task? 
Such  bold  exploits  uncommon  courage  ask; 
Guideless,  alone,  through  night's  dark  shade  to  go, 
And  midst  a  hostile  ciimp  explore  the  foe." 

To  whom  the  king:  "In  such  distress  we  stand, 
No  vulgar  counsel  our  affairs  demand; 
Greece  to  preserve,  is  now  no  easy  part, 
l'>ut  asks  high  wisdom,  tleeji  design,  and  art. 
Fur  Jove,  averse,  our  iiumble  prayer  denies, 
And  bows  his  head  to  Hector's  sacrifice. 
What  eye  has  witness'd,  or  what  ear  believed. 
In  one  groat  day,  by  one  great  arm  achieved, 
Such  wondrous  deeds  as  Hector's  hand  has  done, 
And  we  beheld,  the  last  revolving  suu? 


^52  THE  ILIAD. 

What  honors  the  beloved  of  Jove  adorn! 
Sprang  from  no  god,  and  of  no  goddess  born; 
Yet  such  his  acts,  as  Greeks  unborn  shall  tell, 
And  curse  the  battle  where  tiieir  fathers  fell. 

"Now  speed  thy  hasty  course  along  the  fleet, 
There  call  great  Ajax,  and  the  jn'ince  of  Crete; 
Ourself  to  hoary  Nestor  will  rei^air; 
To  keep  the  guards  on  duty  be  his  care 
(For  Nestor's  influence  best  that  quarter  guides, 
Whose  son  with  Merion,  o'er  the  watch  presides)." 
To  whom  the  Spartan:  "These  thy  orders  borne, 
Say,  shall  I  stay,  or  with  despatch  return?" 
"There  shalt  thou  stay  (the  king  of  men  replied), 
Else  may  we  miss  to  met,  without  a  guide. 
The  paths  so  many,  and  the  camp  so  wide. 
Still,  with  your  voice  the  slothful  soldiers  raise, 
Urge  by  their  fathers'  fame  their  future  praise. 
Forget  we  now  our  state  and  lofty  birth; 
Not  titles  here,  but  works,  must  prove  our  worth. 
To  labor  is  the  lot  of  man  below; 
And  when  Jove  gave  us  life,  he  gave  us  woe." 

This  said,  each  parted  to  his  several  cares: 
The  king  to  Nestor's  sable  ship  repairs; 
The  sage  protector  of  the  Greeks  he  found 
Stretch'd  in  his  bed  with  all  his  arms  around; 
The  various-color'd  scarf,  the  shield  he  rears, 
The  shining  helmet,  and  the  pointed  spears; 
The  dreadful  weapons  of  the  warrior's  rage, 
That,  old  in  arms,  disdain'd  the  peace  of  age. 
Then,  leaning  on  his  hand  his  watchful  head, 
The  hoary  monarch  raised  his  eyes  and  said : 

"What  art  thou,  speak,  that  on  designs  unknown, 
While  others  sleep,  thus  range  the  camp  alone; 
Seek'st  thou  some  friend  or  nightly  sentinel? 
Stand  off,  approach  not,  but  thy  purpose  tell." 

"0  son  of  Neleus  (thus  the  king  rejoin'd), 
Pride  of  the  Greeks,  and  glory  of  thy  kind! 
Lo,  here  the  wretched  Agamemnon  stands. 
The  unhappy  general  of  the  Grecian  bands. 
Whom  Jove  decrees  with  daily  cares  to  bend. 
And  woes,  that  only  with  his  life  shall  end! 
Scarce  can  my  knees  those  trembling  limbs  sustain, 
And  scarce  my  heart  support  its  load  of  jJain. 
No  taste  of  sleep  these  heavy  eyes  have  known, 
Confused,  and  sad,  I  wander  thus  alone, 


THE  ILIAD.  253 

With  fears  distracted,  with  uo  fix'd  design; 

And  all  my  people's  miseries  are  mine. 

If  aught  of  use  thy  waking  thoughts  suggest 

(Since  cares,  like  mine,  deprive  thy  soul  of  rest), 

Impart  thy  counsel,  and  assist  thy  friend; 

Now  let  us  jointly  to  the  trench  descend, 

At  every  gate  the  fainting  guard  excite, 

Tired  with  the  toils  of  day  and  watch  of  night; 

Else  may  the  sudden  foe  our  works  invade. 

So  near,  and  favor'd  by  the  gloomy  shade." 

To  him  thus  Nestor;  "Trust  the  powers  above. 
Nor  think  proud  Hector's  hopes  confirm'd  by  Jove: 
How  ill  agree  the  views  of  vain  mankind, 
And  the  wise  counsels  of  the  eternal  mind! 
Audacious  Hector,  if  the  gods  ordain 
That  great  Achilles  rise  and  rage  again, 
What  toils  attend  thee,  and  wliat  woes  remain! 
Lo,  faithful  Nestor  thy  command  obeys; 
The  care  is  next  our  other  chiefs  to  raise: 
Ulysses,  Diomed,  we  chiefly  need; 
Meges  for  strength,  Oileus  famed  for  speed. 
Some  other  be  dispatch 'd  of  nimbler  feet, 
To  those  tall  ships,  remotest  of  the  fleet. 
Where  lie  great  Ajax  and  tne  king  of  Crete.* 
To  rouse  the  Spartan  I  myself  decree; 
Dear  as  he  is  to  us,  and  dear  to  thee, 
Yet  must  I  tax  his  sloth,  that  claims  no  share 
With  his  great  brother  in  his  martial  care: 
Him  it  behoved  to  every  chief  to  sue, 
Preventing  every- part  perform'd  by  yon; 
For  strong  necessity  our  toils  demands. 
Claims  all  our  hearts,  and  urges  all  our  hands." 

To  wiiom  the  king:  "With  reverence  we  allow 
Thy  just  relnikes,  yet  learn  to  spare  them  now: 
My  generous  brother  is  of  gentle  kind. 
He  seems  remiss,  but  bears  a  valiant  mind; 
Througli  too  much  deference  to  our  sovereign  sway, 
Content  to  foHow  wlicn  we  lead  the  way: 
But  now,  our  ills  industrious  to  prevent, 
Long  ero  the  rest  he  rose,  and  sought  my  tent. 
The  cliiefs  you  named,  already  at  his  call. 
Prepare  to  meet  us  near  tlic  navy-waii; 
Assembling  there,  between  the  trench  and  gates, 
Near  the  night-guards,  our  chosen  council  waits." 


?%e  king  of  Crete  :  Idomeneus. 


254  THE  ILIAD. 

"Then  none  (sai-d  Nestor)  shall  his  rule  withstand, 
For  great  examples  justify  command." 
With  that,  the  venerable  warrior  rose; 
The  shining  greaves  his  manly  legs  enclose; 
His  purple  mantle  golden  buckles  join'd, 
Warm  with  the  softest  wool,  and  doubly  lined. 
Then  rushing  from  his  tent,  he  snatch'd  in  haste 
His  steely  lance,  that  lighten'd  as  he  pass'd. 
The  camp  he  traversed  through  the  sleeping  crowd, 
Stopp'd  at  Ulysses'  tent,  an"d  call'd  aloud. 
Ulysses,  sudden  as  the  voice  was  sent. 
Awakes,  starts  up,  and  issues  from  his  tent. 
"What  new  distress,  what  sudden  cause  of  fright. 
Thus  leads  you  wandering  in  the  silent  night?" 
"0  prudent  chief!  (the  Pylian  sage  replied) 
Wise  as  thou  art,  be  now  thy  wisdom  tried: 
Whatever  means  of  safety  can  be  sought, 
Whatever  counsels  can  inspire  our  thought, 
Whatever  methods,  or  to  fly  or  fight; 
All,  all  depend  on  this  important  night!" 
He  heard,  return'd,  and  took  his  painted  shield; 
Then  join'd  the  chiefs,  and  follow'd  through  the  field. 
Without  his  tent,  bold  Diomed  they  found, 
All  sheathed  in  arms,  his  brave  companions  round: 
Each  sunk  in  sleep,  extended  on  the  field, 
His  head  reclining  on  his  bossy  shield. 
A  wood  of  spears  stood  by,  that,  fix'd  upright. 
Shot  from  their  flashing  points  a  quivering  light. 
A  bull's  black  hide  composed  the  hero's  bed; 
A  splendid  carpet  roll'd  beneath  his  head. 
Then,  with  his  foot,  old  Nestor  gently  shakes 
The  slumbering  chief,  and  in  these  words  awakes: 

"Else,  son  of  Tydeus!  to  the  brave  and  strong 
Eest  seems  inglorious,  and  the  night  too  long. 
But  sleep'st  thou  now,  when  from  yon  hill  the  foe 
Hangs  o'er  the  fleet,  and  shades  our  walls  below?" 

At  this,  soft  slumber  from  his  eyelids  fled; 
The  warrior  saw  the  hoary  chief,  and  said: 
"Wondrous  old  man!  whose  soul  no  respite  knows 
Though  years  and  honors  bid  thee  seek  repose. 
Let  younger  Greeks  our  sleeping  warriors  wake; 
111  fits  thy  age  these  toils  to  undertake." 
"My  friend  (he  answered),  generous  is  thy  care; 
These  toils,  my  subjects  and  my  sons  might  bear; 
Their  loyal  thoughts  and  pious  love  conspire 


THE  ILIAD.  255 

To  ease  a  sovereign  and  relieve  a  sire : 
But  now  the  last  despair  surrounds  onr  host; 
No  hour  must  pass,  no  moment  must  be  lost; 
Eaeh  single  Greek,  in  this  conclusive  strife, 
Stands  on  the  sharpest  edge  of  death  or  life: 
Yet,  if  my  3'ears  thy  kind  regard  engage, 
Employ  thy  youth  as  I  employ  my  age: 
Succeed  to  these  my  cares,  and  rouse  the  rest; 
He  serves  me  most,  who  serves  his  country  best." 

This  said,  the  hero  o'er  his  shoulders  flung 
A  lion''s  spoils,  that  to  his  ankles  hung; 
Then  seized  his  ponderous  lance,  and  strode  along, 
Meges  the  bold,  with  Ajax  famed  for  speed. 
The  warrior  roused,  and  to  the  entrenchments  lead. 

And  now  the  chiefs  approach  the  nightly  guard; 
A  wakeful  squadron,  each  in  arms  prepared: 
The  unwearied  watch  their  listening  leaders  keep, 
And,  couching  close,  repel  invading  sleep. 
So  faithful  dogs  their  Heecy  charge  maintain, 
With  toil  protected  from  the  prowling  train; 
AVhen  the  gaunt  lioness,  with  hunger  bold, 
Springs  from  the  mountains  toward  the  guarded  fold: 
Through  breaking  Avoods  her  rustling  course  they  hear; 
Loud,  and  more  loud,  the  clamors  strike  their  ear 
Of  hounds  and  men;  they  start,  they  gaze  around, 
Watch  every  side,  and  turn  to  every  sound. 
Thus  watcli'd  the  Grecians,  cautious  of  surprise, 
Each  voice,  each  motion,  drew  their  ears  and  eyes: 
Each  step  of  passing  feet  increased  the  affright; 
And  hostile  Troy  was  ever  full  in  sight. 
Nestor  with  joy  the  wakeful  band  survey'd. 
And  thus  accosted  tiirough  the  gloomy  shade, 
"  'Tis  well,  my  sons!  your  nightly  cares  employ; 
Else  must  our  host  become  the  scorn  of  Troy. 
Watch  thus,  and  Greece  shall  live,"     The  hero  said; 
Then  o'er  the  trench  the  following  chieftains  led. 
His  son,  and  godlike  Merion,  march'd  behind 
{Vov  these  the  princes  to  their  council  join'd). 
The  trenches  pass'd,  the  assembled  kijigs  around 
In  silent  state  the  consistory  crown'd. 
A  place  there  was,  yet  undefilod  with  gore. 
The  spot  where  Hector  stopp'd  his  rage  before; 
When  night  descending,  from  his  vengeful  hand 
Reprieved  the  relics  of  the  Grecian  l)and 
(The  plain  beside  with  mangled  corps  was  spread, 


356  THE  ILIAD. 

And  all  his  progress  mark'd  by  heaps  of  dead): 
There  sat  the  monrnful  king:  when  Neiens'  son, 
The  council  opening,  in  these  words  begun: 

''Is  there  (said  he)  a  chief  so  greatly  brave 
His  life  to  hazard,  and  his  country  save? 
Lives  there  a  man,  who  singly  dares  to  go 
To  yonder  camp,  or  seize  some  straggling  foe? 
Or  favor'd  by  the  night  approach  so  near. 
Their  speech,  their  counsels,  and  designs  to  hear? 
If  to  besiege  our  navies  they  prepare, 
Or  Troy  once  more  must  be  the  seat  of  war? 
This  could  he  learn,  and  to  our  peers  recite. 
And  pass  unharnrd  the  dangers  of  the  night; 
What  fame  were  his  through  all  succeeding  days, 
While  Phoebus  shines,  or  men  have  tongues  to  praise! 
What  gifts  his  grateful  country  would  bestow! 
What  must  not  Greece  to  her  deliverer  owe? 
A  sable  ewe  each  leader  should  provide, 
With  each  a  sable  lambkin  by  her  side; 
At  every  rite  his  share  should  be  increased, 
And  his  the  foremost  honors  of  the  feast." 

Fear  held  them  mute:  alone,  untaught  to  fear, 
Tydides  spoke— "The  man  you  seek  is  here. 
Through  yon  black  camps  to  bend  my  dangerous  way, 
Some  god  within  commands,  and  I  obey.. 
But  let  some  other  chosen  warrior  join. 
To  raise  my  hopes  and  second  my  design. 
By  mutuarconfidence  and  mutual  aid. 
Great  deeds  are  done,  and  great  discoveriesmade; 
The  wise  new  prudence  from  the  wise  acquire, 
And  one  brave  hero  fans  another's  fire." 

Contending  leaders  at  the  word  arose; 
Each  generous  breast  with  emulation  glows; 
So  brave  a  task  each  Ajax  strove  to  share, 
Bold  Merion  strove,  and  Nestor's  valiant  heir; 
The  Spartan  wish'd  the  second  place  to  gaiii. 
And  great  Ulysses  wish'd,  nor  wish'd  in  vain. 
Then  thus  the  king  of  men  the  contest  ends: 
"Thou  first  of  warriors,  and  thou  best  of  friends. 
Undaunted  Diomed !  what  chief  to  join 
In  this  great  enterprise,  is  only  thine. 
Just  be  thy  choice,  without  affection  made; 
To  birth,  or  office,  no  respect  be  paid; 
Let  worth  determine  here."     The  monarch  spake, 
And  inly  trembled  for  his  brother's  sake. 


THE  ILIAD.  357 

"Then  thus  (the  godlike  Diomed  rejoin'd) 
M}'  choice  decLires  tiie  impulse  of  my  mind. 
How  can  I  doubt,  while  great  Ulysses  stands 
To  lend  his  counsels  and  assist  our  hands? 
A  chief,  whose  safety  is  ^Minerva's  care; 
So  famed,  so  dreadful,  in  the  works  of  war: 
Bless'd  in  his  conduct,  I  no  aid  require; 
Wisdom  like  his  might  pass  through  flames  of  fire." 

"It  fits  thee  not,  before  these  chiefs  of  fame 
(Replied  the  sage),  to  praise  me,  or  to  blame: 
Praise  from  a  friend,  or  censure  from  a  foe, 
Are  lost  on  hearers  that  our  merits  know. 
But  let  us  haste — Night  rolls  the  hours  away, 
The  reddening  orient  shows  the  coming  day. 
The  stars  shine  fainter  on  the  ethereal  plains, 
And  of  night's  empire  but  a  third  remains," 

Thus  having  spoke,  with  generous  ardor  press'd. 
In  arms  terrific  their  huge  limbs  they  dress'd. 
A  two-edged  falchion  Thrasymed  the  brave, 
And  ample  buckler,  to  Tydides  gave: 
Then  in  a  leathern  helm  he  cased  his  head. 
Short  of  its  crest,  and  with  no  plume  o'erspread 
(Such  as  by  youths  unused  to  arms  are  worn): 
No  spoils  enrich  it,  and  no  studs  adorn. 
Next  him  Ulysses  took  a  shining  sword, 
A  bow  and  quiver,  with  ])right  arrows  stored: 
A  well-proved  casque,  with  leather  braces  bound 
(Thy  gift,  ^leriones),  his  temples  crown'd; 
Soft  wool  within;  without,  in  order  spread,* 
A  boar's  white  teeth  grinn'd  horrid  o'er  his  head. 
This  from  Amyntor,  ricii  Ormenus'  son, 
Autolycus  by  fraudful  rapine  won, 
And  gave  Amphidamas;  from  iiim  the  i)rize 
Molus  received,  the  jdedge  of  scjcial  ties; 
The  helmet  next  by  Merion  was  possess'd, 
And  now  Ulysses'  thouglitful  temjilos  press'd. 
Thus  sheathed  in  arms,  the  council  they  forsake, 
And  dark  tlirough  i)aths  oljlique  their  progress  take. 
Just  then,  in  sign  she  favor'd  their  intent, 
A  long-wiiig'd  heron  gi'cat  Minerva  sent: 
This,  though  surrounding  shades  obscured  their  view. 
By  the  shrill  clang  and  wliistling  v/iiigs  they  knew. 


*  yoft  wool  mthin,  i.  e.  a  kind  of  woollen  stuffing,  pressed  in 
between  the  straps  to  protect  the  bead,  and  make  tbe  belmet  (it 
close. 


258  THE  ILIAD. 

As  from  the  right  she  soar'd,  Ulysses  pray'd, 
Hail'd  the  glad  omen,  and  address'd  the  maid: 

"0  daughter  of  that  god  whose  arm  can  wield 
The  avenging  bolt,  and  shake  the  dreadful  shield! 
0  thou!  forever  present  in  my  way, 
"Who  all  my  motions,  all  my  toils  survey! 
Safe  may  we  pass  beneath  the  gloomy  shade, 
Safe  by  thy  succor  to  our  ships  convey'd. 
And  let  some  deed  this  signal  night  adorn, 
To  claim  the  tears  of  Trojans  yet  unborn." 

Then  godlike  Diomed  preferr'd  his  prayer: 
"Daughter  of  Jove,  uuconquerM  Pallas!  hear. 
Great  queen  of  arms,  whose  favor  Tydeus  won, 
As  thou  defend 'st  the  sire,  defend  the  son. 
When  on  yEsopus'  hanks  the  banded  powers 
Of  Greece  he  left,  and  sought  the  Thebau  towers, 
Peace  was  his  charge;  received  with  peaceful  show, 
He  went  a  legate,  but  return'd  a  foe: 
Then  helped  by  thee,  and  cover'd  by  thy  shield. 
He  fought  with  numbers,  and  made  numbers  yield. 
So  now  be  present,  0  celestial  maid! 
So  still  continue  to  the  race  thine  aid! 
A  youthful  steer  shall  fall  beneath  the  stroke, 
Untamed,  unconscious  of  the  galling  yoke. 
With  ample  forehead,  and  with  spreading  horns. 
Whose  taper  tops  refulgent  gold  adorns." 
The  heroes  pray'd,  and  Pallas  from  the  skies 
Accords  their  vow,  succeeds  their  enterprise. 
Now,  like  two  lions  panting  for  the  prey. 
With  dreadful  thoughts  they  trace  the  dreary  way, 
Through  the  black  horrors  of  the  ensanguined  plain. 
Through   dust,  through   blood,  o'er  arms,  and  hills  of 
slain. 

Nor  less  bold  Hector,  and  the  sons  of  Troy, 
On  high  designs  the  wakeful  hours  employ; 
The  assembled  peers  their  lofty  chief  enclosed; 
Who  thus  the  counsels  of  his  breast  proposed; 

"What  glorious  man,  for  high  attempts  prepared. 
Dares  greatly  venture  for  a  rich  reward? 
Of  yonder  fleet  a  bold  discovery  make. 
What  watch  they  keep,  and  what  resolves  they  take? 
If  now  subdued  they  meditate  their  flight, 
And,  spent  with  toil,  neglect  the  watch  of  night? 
His  be  the  chariot  that  shall  please  him  most. 
Of  all  the  plunder  of  the  vanquish'd  host; 


THE  ILIAD.  2o9 

His  the  fair  steeds  that  all  the  rest  excel, 
And  his  the  glory  to  have  served  so  well." 

A  youth  there  was  among  the  tribes  of  Troy, 
Dolon  his  name,  Eumedes*  only  boy, 
(Five  girls  beside  the  reverend  herald  told.) 
Rich  was  the  sou  In  brass,  and  rich  in  gold; 
Not  bless'd  by  nature  with  the  charms  of  face, 
But  swift  of  foot,  and  matchless  in  the  race. 
"Hector!  (he  said)  my  courage  bids  me  meet 
This  high  achievement,  and  explore  the  fleet; 
But  first  exalt  thy  sceptre  to  the  skies. 
And  swear  to  grant  me  the  demanded  prize; 
The  immortal  coursers,  and  the  glittering  car, 
That  bears  Pelides  through  the  ranks  of  war. 
Encouraged  thus,  no  idle  scout  I  go. 
Fulfill  thy  wish,  their  whole  intention  know. 
Even  to  the  royal  tent  pursue  my  way, 
And  all  their  counsels,  all  their  aims  betray." 

The  chief  then  heaved  the  golden  sceptre  high, 
Attesting  thus  the  monarch  of  the  sky: 
'•'Be  witness  thou!  immortal  lord  of  all! 
Whose  thunder  shakes  the  dark  aerial  hall: 
By  none  but  Dolon  shall  this  prize  be  borne, 
And  him  alone  the  immortal  steeds  adorn." 

Thus  Hector  swore:  the  gods  were  call'd  in  vain. 
But  the  rash  youth  prepares  to  scour  the  plain: 
Across  his  back  the  bended  bow  he  flung, 
A  wolf's  gray  hide  around  his  shoulders  hung, 
A  ferret's  downy  fur  his  helmet  lined, 
And  in  his  hand  a  polntdl  javelin  shined. 
Then  (never  to  return)  he  sought  the  shore, 
And  trod  the  path  his  feet  must  tread  no  more. 
Scarce  had  he  pass'd  the  steeds  and  Trojan  throng 
(Still  bending  forward  as  he  coursed  along), 
Wlien,  on  the  hollow  way,  the  approaching  tread 
Ulysses  mark'd,  and  thus  to  Diomed: 

"0  friend !  I  hear  some  step  of  hostile  feet. 
Moving  this  way,  or  hastening  to  the  fleet; 
Some  spy,  perhaps,  to  lurk  beside  the  main; 
Or  nightly  pillager  that  strips  the  slain. 
Yet  let  him  pass,  and  win  a  little  space; 
Then  rush  behind  him,  and  prevent  his  pace. 
Bat  if  too  swift  of  foot  he  flics  before, 
Confine  his  course  along  the  fleet  and  shore. 
Betwixt  the  camp  and  him  our  spoars  employ, 


260  THE  ILIAD. 

And  intercept  his  hoped  return  to  Troy." 

With  that  they  stepp'd  aside,  and  stoop'd  their  head 
(As  Dolon  pass'd),  behind  a  heap  of  dead; 
Along  the  path  the  spy  unwary  flew; 
Soft,  at  just  distance,  both  the  chiefs  pursue. 
So  distant  they,  and  such  the  space  between, 
As  when  two  teams  of  mules  divide  the  green 
(To  whom  the  hind  like  shares  of  land  allows). 
When  now  wqw  furrows  part  the  approaching  ploughs. 
Now  Dolon,  listening,  heard  them  as  they  pass'd; 
Hector  (he  thought)  had  sent,  and  check'd  his  haste, 
Till  scarce  at  distance  of  a  Javelin's  throw, 
No  voice  succeeding,  he  perceived  the  foe. 
As  when  two  skillful  hounds,  the  leveret  wind; 
Or  chase  through  woods  obscure  the  trembling  hind; 
Now  lost,  now  seen,  they  intercept  his  way. 
And  from  the  herd  still  turn  the  flying  prey: 
So  fast,  and  with  such  fears,  the  Trojan  flew; 
So  close,  so  constant,  the  bold  Greeks  pursue. 
Now  almost  on  the  fleet  the  dastard  falls, 
And  mingles  with  the  guards  that  watch  the  walls; 
When  brave  Tydides  stopp'd;  a  gen'rous  thought 
(Inspired  by  Pallas)  in  his  bosom  wrought. 
Lest  on  the  foe  some  forward  Greek  advance, 
And  snatch  the  glory  from  his  lifted  lance. 
Then  thus  aloud:  "Whoe'er  thou  art,  remain; 
This  javelin  else  shall  fix  thee  to  the  plain." 
He  said,  and  high  in  air  the  weapon  cast, 
Which  willful  err'd,  and  o'er  his  shoulder  pass'd; 
Then  fix'd  in  earth.     Against  the  trembling  wood 
The  wretch  stood  propp'd,  and  quiver'd  as  he  stood; 
A  sudden  palsy  seized  his  turning  head; 
His  loose  teeth  chatter'd,  and  his  color  fled; 
The  panting  warriors  seize  him  as  he  stands, 
And  with  unmanly  tears  his  life  demands. 

"0  spare  my  youth,  and  for  the  breath  I  owe, 
Large  gifts  of  price  my  father  shall  bestow: 
Vast  heaps  of  brass  shall  in  your  ships  be  told, 
And  steel  well-temper'd  and  refulgent  gold." 

To  whom  Ulysses  made  this  wise  reply : 
"Whoe'er  thou  art,  be  bold,  nor  fear  to'die. 
What  moves  thee,  say,  when  sleep  has  closed  the  sight. 
To  roam  the  silent  fields  in  dead  of  night? 
Cam'st  thou  the  secrets  of  our  camp  to  find, 
By  Hector  prompted,  or  thy  daring  mind? 


THE  ILIAD.  261 

Or  art  some  wretch  by  hopes  of  plunder  led, 
Through  heaps  of  carnage,  to  despoil  the  dead?" 

Then  thus  pale  Dolon,  with  a  fearful  look 
(Still,  as  he  spoke,  his  limbs  with  horror  shook): 
"Hither  I  came,  by  Hector's  words  deceived; 
Much  did  he  promise,  rashly  I  believed: 
Ko  less  a  bribe  than  great  Achilles'  car, 
And  those  swift  steeds  that  sweep  the  ranks  of  war, 
Urged  me,  unwilling,  this  attempt  to  make; 
To  learn  what  counsels,  what  resolves  you  take: 
If  now  subdued,  you  fix  your  hopes  on  flight. 
And,  tired  with  toils,  neglect  the  watch  of  night." 

"Bold  was  thy  aim  and  glorious  was  the  prize 
(Ulysses,  with  a  scornful  smile,  replies), 
Far  other  rulers  those  proud  steeds  demand, 
And  scorn  the  guidance  of  a  vulgar  hand; 
Even  great  Achilles  scarce  their  rage  can  tame, 
Achilles  sprung  from  an  immortal  dame. 
But  say,  be  faithful,  and  the  truth  recite! 
Where  lies  encamp'd  the  Trojan  chief  to-night? 
Where  stand  his  coursers?  in  what  quarter  sleep 
Their  other  princes?  tell  what  watch  they  keep: 
Say,  since  this  conquest,  what  their  counsels  are; 
Or  here  to  combat,  from  their  city  far, 
Or  back  to  Dion's  walls  transfer  the  war?" 

Ulysses  thus,  and  thus  Eumedes'  son: 
"What  JJolon  knows  his  faithful  tongue  shall  own. 
Hector,  the  peers  assembling  in  his  tent, 
A  council  holds  at  Ilus'  monument. 
No  certain  guards  the  nightly  watch  partake; 
Where'er  yon  rires  ascend,  the  Trojans  wake: 
Anxious  for  Troy,  the  guard  the  natives  keep; 
Safe  in  tlieir  cares,  the  auxiliar  forces  sleep, 
Whose  wives  and  infants  from  the  danger  far. 
Discharge  their  souls  of  half  the  fears  of  war." 

Then  sleej)  those  aids  among  the  Trojan  train 
(lufjuired  the  chief),  or  scatter'd  o'er  the  ])Iain?" 
To  whom  the  spy:  "Their  powers  they  thus  dispose: 
The  Papons,  dreadful  with  their  bended  bows, 
The  Carians,  Caucons,  the  Pelasgian  host, 
And  Leleges,  encamj)  along  the  coast, 
Not  distant  far,  lie  higher  on  tlie  hmd 
The  [jyciaii,  Mysian,  and  .Xrirouian  liand, 
And  I'hrygia'ri  horse,  by  Thynibras'  ancient  wall,- 
Tiio  Thracians  utmost,  and  apart  from  all. 


262  THE  ILIAD. 

These  Troy  but  lately  to  her  succor  won, 
Led  on  by  Khesus,  great  Eioneus'  son: 
I  saw  his  coursers  in  jjroucl  triumph  go, 
Swift  as  the  wind,  and  white  as  winter-snow; 
Eich  silver  plates  his  shining  car  infold; 
His  solid  arms,  refulgent,  flame  with  gold; 
No  mortal  shoulders  suit  the  glorious  load, 
Celestial  panoply,  to  grace  a  god  ! 
Let  me,  unhappy,  to  your  fleet  be  borne. 
Or  leave  me  here,  a  captive's  fate  to  mourn 
In  cruel  chains,  till  your  return  reveal 
The  truth  or  falsehood  of  the  news  I  tell.'* 

To  this  Tydides,  with  a  gloomy  frown: 
"Think  not  to  live,  though  all  the  truth  be  shown: 
Shall  we  dismiss  thee,  in  some  future  strife 
To  risk  more  bravely  thy  now  forfeit  life? 
Or  that  again  our  camps  thou  may'st  explore? 
No — once  a  traitor,  thou  betray 'st  no  more." 

Sternly  he  spoke,  and  as  tlie  wretch  prepared 
With  humble  blandishment  to  stroke  his  beard, 
Like  lightning  swift  the  wrathful  falchion  flew, 
Divides  the  neck,  and  cuts  the  nerves  in  two; 
One  instant  snatch'd  his  trembling  soul  to  hell, 
The  head,  yet  speaking,  mutter'd  as  it  fell. 
The  furry  helmet  from  liis  brow  they  tear. 
The  wolf's  gray  hide,  the  unbended  bow  and  spear; 
These  great  Ulysses  lifting  to  the  skies. 
To  favoring  Pallas  dedicates  the  prize: 

"Great  queen  of  arms,  receive  this  hostile  spoil, 
And  let  the  Thracian  steeds  reward  our  toil! 
Thee,  first  of  all  the  heavenly  host,  we  praise; 
0  speed  our  labors,  and  direct  our  ways!" 
This  said,  the  spoils,  with  dropping  gore  defaced. 
High  on  a  spreading  tamarisk  he  placed; 
Then  heap'd  with  reeds  and  gather'd  boughs  the  plain, 
To  guide  their  footsteps  to  the  place  again. 

Through   the   still   night   they  crossed    the  devious 
fields. 
Slippery  with  blood,  o'er  arms  and  heaps  of  shields, 
Arriving  where  the  Thracian  squadrons  lay. 
And  eased  in  sleep  the  labors  of  the  day. 
Eanged  in  three  lines  they  view  the  prostrate  band, 
The  horses  yoked  beside  each  warrior  stand. 
Their  arms  in  order  on  the  ground  reclined. 
Through  the  brown  shade  the  fulgid  weapons  shiued; 


THE  ILIAD.  .  263 

Amidst  lay  Rhesus,  stretch'd  in  sleep  profound, 
And  the  white  steeds  behind  Jiis  chiiriot  bound. 
The  welcome  sight  Ulysses  first  descries, 
And  points-to  Diomed  the  tempting  prize. 
"The  man,  the  coursers,  and  the  car  behold! 
Described  by  Dolon,  with  the  arms  of  gold. 
Now,  brave  Tydides!  now  thy  courage  try, 
Approach  the  chariot,  and  the  steeds  untie; 
Or  if  thy  soul  aspire  to  fiercer  deeds. 
Urge  thou  the  slaughter,  while  I  seize  the  steeds." 

Pallas  (this  said)  her  hero's  bosom  warms. 
Breathed  in  his  heart,  and  strung  his  nervous  arms; 
Where'er  he  pass'd,  a  purple  stream  pursued 
His  thirsty  falchion,  fat  with  hostile  blood. 
Bathed  all  his  footsteps,  dyed  the  fields  with  gore, 
And  a  low  groan  remurmur'd  through  the  shore. 
So  the  grim  lion,  from  his  nightly  den, 
O'erleaps  the  fences,  and  invades  the  pen. 
On  slieep  or  goats,  resistless  in  his  way. 
He  falls,  and  foaming  rends  the  guardless  prey; 
Nor  stopped  the  fury  of  his  vengeful  liand. 
Till  twelve  lay  breathless  of  the  Thracian  band. 
Ulysses  following,  as  his  partner  slew, 
Back  by  the  foot  each  slaughter'd  warrior  drew; 
The  milk-white  coursers  studious  to  convey 
Safe  to  the  ships,  he  wisely  clear'd  the  way: 
Lest  the  fierce  steeds,  not  yet  to  battles  bred, 
Should  start,  and  treniljle  at  the  heaps  of  dead. 
Now  twelve  despatch'd,  the  monarch  last  they  found; 
Tydides'  falchion  (Ix'd  him  to  the  ground. 
Just  tlien  a  deathful  dream  Minerva  sent, 
A  warlike  form  appear'd  before  his  tent. 
Whose  visionary  steel  his  bosom  tore: 
So  dream'd  the  monarch,  and  awaked  no  more.* 

Ulysses  now  tlie  snowy  steeds  detains, 
And  leads  them,  fasten 'd  by  the  silver  reins; 


*"A11  the  circumstances  of  this  action — the  nipht,  Rhesus 
buried  in  a  profound  sleep,  and  Diomed  with  a  sword  in  his  hand 
hanging  over  the  liead  of  tliat  prince — fiirnislied  Homer  witli  the 
idea  of  tliis  fiction,  whicii  represents  i{i;esus  iyinj^  fast  asleep, 
and,  as  it  were,  i)elioldin{^  iiis  enemy  in  a  dream,  pliuif;inf;f  tlie 
8\vor<i  into  liis  liosom.  'I'iiis  imaf;e  is  very  natural;  for  a  num  in 
Ills  condition  awakes  no  farther  than  to  see  confusedly  what 
environs  him,  and  to  thiidc  it  not  a  reality  hut  a  dream." — Pojje. 

"  There's  one  did  lauf,'h  in  his  sleep,  and  one  cry'd  murder; 
They  wak'd  each  ollu-r." — Macbeth. 


264  THE  ILIAD. 

These,  with  his  bow  nubent,  he  lash'd  along 
(The  scourge  forgot,  on  Rhesus'  chariot  hnng); 
Then  gave  his  friend  the  signal  to  retire; 
But  him,  new  dangers,  new  achievements  fire; 
Doubtful  he  stood,  or  with  his  reeking  blade 
To  send  more  heroes  to  the  infernal  shade, 
Drag  off  the  car  where  Ehesus'  armor  lay, 
Or  heave  with  manly  force,  and  lift  away. 
While  unresolved  the  son  of  Tydeus  stands, 
Pallas  appears,  and  thus  the  chief  commands: 

"Enough,  my  son;  from  further  slaughter  cease. 
Regard  thy  safety,  and  depart  in  peace; 
Haste  to  the  ships,  the  gotten  spoils  enjoy. 
Nor  tempt  too  far  the  hostile  gods  of  Troy." 

The  voice  divine  confess'd  the  martial  maid; 
In  haste  he  mounted,  and  her  word  obey'd; 
The  coursers  iiy  before  Ulysses'  bow. 
Swift  as  the  wind,  and  white  as  winter-snow. 

Not  unobserved  they  pass'd;  the  god  of  light 
Had  watch'd  his  Troy,  and  mark'd  Minerva's  flight, 
Saw  Tydeus'  son  with  heavenly  succor  bless'd, 
And  vengeful  an2;er  filled  his  sacred  breast. 

CD  O 

Swift  to  ihe  Trojan  camp  descends  the  power, 
And  wakes  Hippocoou  in  the  morning-hour 
(On  Rhesus'  side  accustom 'd  to  attend, 
A  faithful  kinsman,  and  instructive  friend); 
He  rose,  and  saw  the  field  deform'd  with  blood; 
An  empty  space  where  late  the  coursers  stood, 
The  yet-warm  Thracians  panting  on  the  coast; 
P'or  each  he  wept,  but  for  his  Rhesus  most: 
Now  while  on  Rhesus'  name  he  calls  in  vain, 
The  gathering  tumult  spreads  o'er  all  the  plain; 
On  heaps  the  Trojans  rush,  with  wild  affright, 
And  wondering  view  the  slaughters  of  the  night. 

Meanwhile  the  chiefs,  arriving  at  the  shade 
Where  late  the  spoils  of  Hector's  spy  were  laid, 
Ulysses  stopp'd;  to  him  Tydides  bore 
The  trophy,  droj)ping  yet  with  Dolon's  gore: 
Then  mounts  again;  again  their  nimbler  feet 
The  coursers  ply,  and  thunder  towards  the  fleet. 

Old  Nestor  first  perceived  the  approaching  sound, 
Bespeaking  thus  the  Grecian  peers  around: 
"Methinks  the  noise  of  trampling  steeds  I  hear. 
Thickening  this  way,  and  gathering  on  my  ear; 
Perhaps  some  horses  of  the  Trojan  breed 


TEE  ILIAD.  265 

(So  may,  ye  gods!  my  pious  hopes  succeed) 
The  great  Tydides  and  Ulysses  bear, 
Keturu'd  triumphant  witii  this  prize  of  war. 
Yet  much  I  fear  (ah,  may  that  fear  be  vain!) 
The  chiefs  outnumber'd  by  the  Trojan  train; 
Perhaps,  even  now  pursued,  they  seek  the  shore; 
Or,  oh  I  perhaps  those  heroes  are  no  more." 

Scarce  had  he  spoke,  when,  lo!  the  chiefs  appear. 
And  spring  to  earth;  the  Greeks  dismiss  their  fear: 
With  words  of  friendship  and  extended  hands 
They  greet  the  kings;  and  Xestor  first  demands: 

"Say  thou,  wiiose  praises  all  our  host  proclaim, 
Thou  living  glory  of  the  Grecian  name! 
Say  whence  these  coursers?  by  what  chance  bestow'd, 
The  spoil  of  foes,  or  present  of  a  god? 
Not  those  fair  steeds,  so  radiant  and  so  gay, 
That  draw  the  burning  chariot  of  the  day. 
Old  as  I  am,  to  age  I  scorn  to  yield. 
And  daily  mingle  in  the  martial  field; 
But  sure  till  now  no  coursers  struck  my  sight 
Like  these,  conspicuous  through  the  ranks  of  fight. 
Some  god,  I  deem,  conferred  the  glorious  prize, 
Bless'd  as  ye  are,  and  favorites  of  the  skies; 
The  care  of  him  who  bids  the  thunder  roar, 
And  her,  whose  fury  bathes  the  world  with  gore." 

"Father!  not  so  (sage  Ithacus  rejoin'd). 
The  gifts  of  heaven  are  of  a  nobler  kind. 
Of  Thracian  lineage  are  the  steeds  ye  view, 
AVhose  hostile  king  the  brave  Tydides  slew; 
Sleeping  he  died,  with  all  his  guards  around, 
And  twelve  beside  lay  gasping  on  the  ground. 
These  other  spoils  from  conquer'd  Dolon  came, 
A  wretch,  whose  swiftness  was  his  only  fame; 
Hy  Hector  sent  our  forces  to  explore, 
lie  now  lies  headless  on  the  sandy  shore." 

Then  o'er  the  trench  the  bounding  coursers  flew; 
'^riie  joyful  Greeks  with  loud  acclaim  pursue. 
Straight  to  Tydides'  high  pavilion  borne. 
The  matchless  steeds  his  ample  stalls  adorn: 
The  neighing  coursers  their  new  follows  greet. 
And  the  full  racks  are  heaped  with  generous  wheat. 
But  Dolon's  armor,  to  his  ships  convey'd, 
High  on  the  ]iaint(!d  stern  Ulysses  laid, 
A  trophy  destined  to  tiie  blue-eyed  maid. 


266  THE  ILIAD. 

Now  from  nocturnal  sweat  and  sanguine  stain 
They  cleanse  their  bodies  in  the  neighb'ring  main. 
Tlien  in  the  polished  bath,  refresh'd  from  toil, 
Their  joints  they  supple  with  dissolving  oil, 
In  due  repast  indulge  the  genial  hour, 
And  first  to  Pallas  the  libations  pour: 
They  sit,  rejoicing  in  her  aid  divine, 
And  the  crown'd  goblet  foams  with  floods  of  wine. 


THE  ILIAD.  267 


BOOK  XI. 

AKGUMENT. 

THE  THIRD    BATTLE,    AND   THE    ACTS     OF    AGAMEMNON. 

Agamemnon,  having  armed  himself,  leads  the  Grecians  to  battle: 
Hector  prepares  the  Trojans  to  receive  them;  while  Jupiter, 
Juno,  and  Minerva  give  the  signals  of  war.  Agamemnon 
bears  all  before  him;  and  Hector  is  commanded  by  Jupiter 
(who  sends  Iris  for  that  purpose)  to  decline  the  engagement, 
till  the  king  shall  be  wounded  and  retire  from  the  field. 
He  then  makes  a  great  slaughter  of  the  enemy:  Ulysses  and 
Diomed  put  a  stop  to  him  for  a  time:  but  the  latter,  being 
wounded  by  Paris,  is  obliged  to  desert  his  companion,  who  is 
encompassed  by  the  Trojans,  wounded,  and  in  the  utmost 
danger,  till  Menelaiis  and  Ajax  rescue  him.  Hector  comes 
against  Ajax;  but  that  hero  alone  opposes  multitudes,  and 
rallies  the  Greeks.  In  the  meantime  Machaun,  in  the  other 
wing  of  the  army,  is  pierced  with  an  arrow  by  Paris,  and 
carried  from  the  fight  in  Nestor's  chariot.  Achilles  (who 
overlooked  the  action  from  his  ship)  sent  Patroclus  to  inquire 
which  of  the  (Greeks  was  wounded  in  that  manner.  Nestor 
entertains  him  in  his  tent  with  an  account  of  the  accidents  of 
the  day,  and  a  long  recital  of  some  former  wars  which  he  re- 
membered, tending  to  put  Patroclus  upon  persuading  Achilles 
to  fight  for  his  countrymen,  or  at  least  permit  him  to  do  it, 
clad  in  Achilles'  armor.  Patroclus,  on  liis  return,  meets 
Eurypylus  also  wounded,  and  assists  him  in  that  distress. 

This  book  (jpens  with  the  eight-and-tweutieth  day  of  the 
poem;  and  the  same  day,  vvitLi  its  various  actions  and  adven- 
tures, is  extended  through  the  twelfth,  thirteenth,  four- 
teenth, fifteenth,  sixteenth,  seventeenth,  and  part  of  the 
eighteenth  books.  The  scene  lies  in  the  field  near  the  monu- 
ment of  Hus. 

The  saffron  morn,  witli  early  blushes  spread,* 
Now  rose  refiil,i,'oiit  from  'rithonus'  bed; 
With  now-born  day  to  gladden  mortal  sight. 
And  gild  the  courts  of  iieaven  with  sacred  light: 

*  "  Aurora  now  had  left  her  saffron  bed, 

And  beams  of  early  light  the  heavens  o'ersproad." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  iv.  639. 


268  ^'^^  ILIAD. 

When  baleful  Eris,  sent  by  Jove's  command, 

The  torch  of  discord  bhizing  in  her  hand, 

Through  the  red  skies  her  bloody  sign  extends, 

And,  wrapt  in  tempests,  o'er  the  fleet  descends. 

High  on  Ulysses'  bark  her  horrid  stand 

She  took,  and  thunder'd  through  the  seas  and  land. 

Even  Ajiix  and  Achilles  heard  the  sound, 

Whose  ships,  remote,  the  guarded  navy  bound. 

Thence  the  black  fury  through  the  Grecian  throng 

With  horror  sounds  the  loud  Orthian  song: 

The  navy  shakes,  and  at  the  dire  alarms 

Each  bosom  boils,  e;ich  warrior  starts  to  arms. 

No  more  they  sigh,  inglorious  to  return, 

But  breathe  revenge,  and  for  the  combat  burn. 

The  king  of  men  his  hardy  host  inspires 
With  loud  command,  with  great  example  fires! 
Himself  first  rose,  himself  before  the  rest 
His  mighty  limbs  in  radiant  armor  dress'd, 
And  first  he  cased  his  manly  legs  around 
In  shining  greaves  with  silver  buckles  bound; 
The  beaming  cuirass  next  adorn'd  his  breast. 
The  same  which  once  king  Cinyras  possess'd 
(The  fame  of  Greece  and  her  assembled  host 
Had  reach'd  that  monarch  on  the  Cyprian  coast; 
'Twas  then,  the  friendship  of  the  chief  to  gain, 
This  glorious  gift  he  sent,  nor  sent  in  vain): 
Ten  rows  of  azure  steel  the  work  infold. 
Twice  ten  of  tin,  and  twelve  of  ductile  gold; 
Three  glittering  dragons  to  the  gorget  rise, 
Whose  imitated  scales  against  the  skies 
Eeflected  various  light,  and  arching  bow'd. 
Like  color'd  rainbows  o'er  a  showery  cloud 
(Jove's  wondrous  bow,  of  three  celestial  dyes, 
Placed  as  a  sign  to  man  amidst  the  skies). 
A  radiant  baldric,  o'er  his  shoulder  tied. 
Sustain'd  the  sword  that  glitter'd  at  his  side: 
Gold  was  the  hilt,  a  silver  sheath  encased 
The  shining  blade,  and  golden  hangers  graced. 
His  buckler's  mighty  orb  was  next  display'd, 
That  round  the  warrior  cast  a  dreadful  shade; 
Ten  zones  of  brass  its  ample  brim  surround, 
And  twice  ten  bosses  the  bright  convex  crown'd: 
Tremendous  Gorgon  frown'd  upon  its  field, 
And  circling  terrors  fill'd  the  expressive  shield: 
Within  its  concave  hung  a  silver  thong, 


THE  ILIAD.  269 

On  which  a  mimic  serpent  creeps  along, 

His  azure  length  in  easy  waves  extends, 

Till  in  three  heads  the  embroider'd  monster  ends. 

Last  o'er  his  brows  his  fourfold  helm  he  placed, 

With  nodding  horse-hair  formidably  graced; 

And  in  his  hands  two  steely  javelins  wields, 

That  blaze  to  heaven,  and  lighten  all  the  fields. 

That  instant  Juno,  and  the  martial  maid, 
In  happy  thunders  promised  Greece  their  aid; 
High  o'er  the  chief  they  clash'd  their  arms  in  air, 
And,  leaning  from  the  clouds,  expect  the  war. 

Close  to  the  limits  of  the  trench  and  mound, 
The  fiery  coursers  to  their  chariots  bound 
The  squires  restrain'd:  the  foot,  with  those  who  wield 
The  lighter  arms,  rush  forward  to  the  field. 
To  second  these,  in  close  array  combined, 
The  squadrons  spread  their  sable  wings  behind. 
Now  shouts  and  tumults  wake  the  tardy  sun. 
As  with  the  light  the  warriors'  toils  begun. 
Even  Jove,  whose  thunder  spoke  his  wrath,  distill'd 
Red  drops  of  blood  o'er  all  the  fatal  field;* 
The  woes  of  men  unwilling  to  survey, 
And  all  the  slaughters  that  must  stain  the  day. 

Near  Hus'  tomb,  in  order  ranged  around. 
The  Trojan  lines  possess'd  the  rising  ground: 
There  wise  Polydamas  and  Hector  stood; 
^neas,  honor'd  as  a  guardian  god; 
Bold  Polybus,  Agenor  the  divine; 
The  brother-warriors  of  Antenor's  line: 
With  youthful  Acamas,  whose  beauteous  face 
And  fair  proportion  match'd  the  ethereal  race. 
Great  Hector,  cover'd  with  his  s])acious  shield, 
Plies  all  the  troops,  and  orders  all  the  field. 
As  the  red  star  now  shows  his  sanguine  fires 
Through  the  dark  clouds,  and  now  in  night  retires, 
Thus  through  the  ranks  appear'd  the  godlike  man, 
Plunged  in  the  roar,  or  Ijlazing  in  the  van; 
While  streamy  sparkles,  restless  as  he  flies, 

*RiddriipH  of  hlond.  "  TIiIh  ])lif*ii()iiiciion,  if  a  iiicrc  fruit  of 
the  pout's  imagination,  might  seem  arbitrary  or  far- fetched.  It 
is  one,  liowever,  of  ascertained  reality,  and  of  no  uncommon  oc- 
currence in  tlie  climate  of  Greece." — Mure,  i.  p  4'J!j.  Cf.  Tasso, 
Gier.  l-iib.  ix.  1/): 

"  I, a  terra  in  vece  del  notturno  polo 
Bagnan  rugiade  tepide,  e  sanguigne." 


270  THE  ILIAD. 

Flash  from  his  arms,  as  lightning  from  the  skies. 
As  sweating  reapers  in  some  wealthy  field, 
Ranged  in  two  bands,  their  crooked  weapons  wield, 
Bear  down  the  furrows,  till  their  labors  meet; 
Thick  fall  the  heapy  harvests  at  their  feet: 
So  Greece  and  Troy  the  field  of  war  divide, 
And  falling  ranks  are  strow'd  on  every  side. 
None  stoop'd  a  thonght  to  base  inglorious  flight;* 
But  horse  to  horse,  and  man  to  man  they  fight, 
Not  rabid  wolves  more  fierce  contest  their  prey; 
Each  wounds,  each  bleeds,  but  none  resign  the  day. 
Discord  with  joy  the  scene  of  death  descries. 
And  drinks  large  slaughter  at  her  sanguine  eyes: 
Discord  alone,  of  all  the  immortal  train, 
Swells  the  red  horrors  of  this  direful  plain: 
The  gods  in  peace  their  golden  mansions  fill, 
Eanged  in  bright  order  on  the  Olympian  hill: 
But  general  murmurs  told  their  griefs  above, 
And  each  accused  the  partial  will  of  Jove. 
Meanwhile  apart,  superior,  and  alone, 
The  eternal  Monarch,  on  his  awful  throne, 
Wrapt  in  the  blaze  of  boundless  glory  sate; 
And  fix'd,  fulfill'd  the  just  decrees  of  fate. 
On  earth  he  turn'd  his  all-considering  eyes. 
And  mark'd  the  spot  where  Ilion's  towers  arise; 
The  sea  with  ships,  the  fields  with  armies  spread, 
The  victor's  rage,  the  dying,  and  the  dead. 

Thus  while  the  morning-beams,  increasing  bright. 
O'er  heaven's  pure  azure  spread  the  glowing  light, 
Commutual  death  the  fate  of  war  confounds, 
Each  adverse  battle  gored  with  equal  wounds. 
But  now  (what  time  in  some  sequester'd  valo 
The  weary  woodman  spreads  his  sparing  meal, 
When  his  tired  arms  refuse  the  axe  to  rear, 
And  claim  a  respite  from  the  sylvan  war; 
But  not  till  half  the  prostrate  forests  lay 
Stretch'd  in  long  ruin,  and  exposed  to  day) 
Then,  nor  till  then,  the  Greeks'  impulsive  might 
Pierced  the  black  phalanx,  and  let  in  the  light. 
Great  Agamemnon  then  the  slaughter  led. 
And  slew  Bienor  at  his  people's  head: 

*  "  No  tbouglit  of  flight, 
None  of  retreat,  no  unbecoming  deed 
That  argued  fear." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  vi.  236. 


TEE  ILIAD.  271 

Whose  squire  Oilens,  with  a  sudden  spring, 

Leap'd  from  the  chariot  to  revengu  his  king; 

But  in  his  front  he  felt  the  fatal  wound, 

Which   pierced    his  brain,  and   stretch'd    him   on   the 

ground. 
Atrides  spoil'd,  and  left  them  on  the  plain: 
Vain  was  their  youth,  their  glittering  armor  vain: 
Nor  soil'd  with  dust,  and  naked  to  the  sky, 
Their  snowy  limbs  and  beauteous  bodies  lie. 

Two  sons  of  Priam  next  to  battle  move, 
The  product,  one  of  marriage,  one  of  love:* 
In  the  same  car  the  brother-warriors  ride; 
This  took  the  charge  to  combat,  that  to  guide: 
Far  other  task,  than  when  they  wont  to  keep, 
On  Ida's  tops,  their  father's  fleecy  sheep. 
These  on  the  mountains  once  Achilles  found, 
And  captive  led,  with  pliant  osiers  bound; 
Then  to  their  sire  for  ample  sums  restored; 
But  now  to  perish  by  Atrides'  sword: 
Pierced  in  the  breast  the  base-born  Isus  bleeds: 
Cleft  through  the  head  his  brother's  fate  succeeds. 
Swift  to  the  spoil  the  hasty  victor  falls. 
And,  stript,  their  features  to  his  mind  recalls. 
The  Trojans  see  the  youths  untimely  die. 
But  helpless  trembled  for  themselves,  and  fly. 
So  when  a  lion  ranging  o'er  the  lawns. 
Finds,  on  some  grassy  lair,  the  couching  fawns, 
Their  bones  lie  cracks,  their  reeking  vitals  draws, 
And  grinds  the  quivering  flesh  with  bloody  jaws; 
The  frighted  hind  beholds,  and  dares  not  stay. 
But  swift  through  rustling  thickets  bursts  her  way; 
All  drown'fl  in  sweat,  the  panting  mother  flies, 
And  the  big  teai's  roll  trickling  from  her  eyes. 

Amidst  the  tumult  of  the  routed  train. 
The  sons  of  false  Antimachus  were  slain; 
lie  who  for  bribes  his  faithless  (jouiisels  sold, 
And  voted  Helen's  stay  for  Paris'  gold. 
Atrides  mark'd,  as  these  their  safety  sought. 
And  slow  the  childrtin  for  the  father's  fault; 
Their  headstrong  horse  iinablo  to  restrain, 
They  shook  witii  fear,  and  dioppM  tiio  silken  rein: 

•  One  of  love.  Altliougli  a  bastard  brotln-r  loccjived  only  asinull 
portion  of  tli<;  inlieritance,  he  whs  conuiioiily  very  whII  treated. 
Priam  a|ip''!ir.s  to  lii".  tlie  only  oik;  of  whom  iiolygamy  is  directly 
asserted  in  the  Iliad.     (Jrote,  vol.  ii.  \).  114,  note. 


272  1'SE  ILIAD. 

Then  in  the  chariot  on  their  knees  they  fall, 
xVnd  thus  with  lifted  hands  for  mercy  call: 

"0  spare  our  youth,  and  for  the  life  we  owe, 
Antimachus  shall  copious  gifts  bestow: 
Soon  as  he  hears,  tluit,  not  in  battle  slain, 
The  Grecian  ships  his  captive  sons  detain, 
Large  heaps  of  brass  in  ransom  shall  be  told, 
And  steel  well-tempered,  and  persuasive  gold." 
These  words,  attended  with  the  flood  of  tears, 
The  youth  address'd  to  unrelenting  ears: 
The  vengeful  monarch  gave  this  stern  reply: 
"If  from  Antimachus  ye  spring,  ye  die; 
The  daring  wretch  who  once  in  council  stood 
To  shed  Ulysses'  and  my  brother's  blood, 
For  protfer'd  peace!  and  sues  his  seed  for  grace; 
No,  die,  and  pay  the  forfeit  of  your  race." 
This  said,  Pisander  from  the  car  he  cast. 
And  pierced  his  breast:  supine  he  breathed  his  last. 
His  brother  leap'd  to  earth;  but,  as  he  lay. 
The  trenchant  falchion  lopp'd  his  hands  away; 
His  sever'd  head  was  toss'd  among  the  throng. 
And,  rolling,  drew  a  bloody  train  along. 
Then,  where  the  thickest  fought,  the  victor  flew; 
The  king's  example  all  his  Greeks  pursue. 
Now  by  the  foot  the  flying  foot  were  slain. 
Horse  trod  by  horse,  lay  foaming  on  the  plain. 
From  the  dry  fields  thick  clouds  of  dust  arise, 
Shade  the  black  host,  and  intercept  the  skies. 
The  brass-hoof  d  steeds  tumultuous  plunge  and  bound. 
And  the  thick  thunder  beats  the  laboring  ground. 
Still  slaughtering  on,  the  king  of  men  proceeds; 
The  distanced  army  wonders  at  his  deeds. 
As  when  the  winds  with  raging  flames  conspire, 
And  o'er  the  forests  roll  the  flood  of  fire, 
In  blazing  heaps  the  grove's  old  honors  fall, 
And  one  refulgent  ruin  levels  all; 
Before  Atrides'  rage  so  sinks  the  foe, 
Whole  squadrons  vanish,  and  proud  heads  lie  low. 
The  steeds  fly  trembling  from  his  waving  sword, 
And  many  a  car,  now  lighted  of  its  lord, 
Wide  o'er  the  field  with  guideless  fury  rolls. 
Breaking  their  ranks,  and  crushing  out  their  souls; 
While  his  keen  falchion  drinks  the  warriors'  lives; 
More  grateful,  now,  to  vultures  than  their  wives! 
Perhaps  great  Hector  then  had  found  his  fate, 


THE  ILIAD.  273 

Bat  Jove  and  destiny  prolong'd  his  date. 

Safe  from  the  darts,  the  care  of  heaven  he  stood, 

Amidst  ahirnis,  and  death,  and  dust,  and  blood. 

Now  past  the  tomb  where  ancient  Ilus  h^}', 
Through  the  mid  field  the  routed  urge  their  way: 
Where  the  wild  figs  the  adjoining  summit  crown, 
The  path  they  take,  and  speed  to  reach  the  town. 
As  swift,  Atrides  with  loui  shouts  pursued, 
Hot  with  his  toil,  and  bathed  in  hostile  blood. 
Now  near  the  beech-tree,  and  the  Scaean  gates, 
The  hero  halts,  and  his  associates  waits. 
Meanwhile  on  every  side  around  the  plain, 
Dispersed,  disorder'd,  fly  the  Trojan  train. 
So  flies  a  herd  of  beeves,  that  hear  dismay'd 
The  lion's  roaring  through  the  midnight  shade; 
On  heaps  they  tumble  with  successless  haste; 
The  savage  seizes,  draws,  and  rends  the  last. 
Not  with  less  fury  stern  Atrides  flew. 
Still  press'd  tiie  rout,  and  still  the  hindmost  slew; 
Hurl'd  from  their  cars  the  bravest  chiefs  are  kill'd, 
And  rage,  and  death,  and  carnage  load  the  field. 

Now  storms  the  victor  at  the  Trojan  wall; 
Surveys  the  towers,  and  meditates  their  fall. 
But  Jove  descending  shook  the  Ida;an  hills. 
And  down  their  summits  pour'd  a  hundred  rills: 
The  unkindied  lightning  in  his  hand  he  took, 
And  thus  the  numy-colored  maid  bespoke: 

"Iris,  with  haste  thy  golden  wings  display, 
To  godlike  Hector  this  our  word  convey — 
While  Agamemnon  wastes  the  ranks  around, 
Fights  in  the  front,  and  bathes  with  blood  the  ground, 
Bid  him  give  way;  but  issue  forth  commands, 
And  trust  the  war  to  less  important  hamls: 
But  when,  or  wounded  by  the  spear  or  dart, 
'J'hat  chief  shall  mount  his  ciiariot,  and  depart, 
Then  Jove  shall  string  his  arm,  and  fire  his  breast, 
Then  to  her  ships  shall  flying  (Jreece  be  press'd, 
Till  to  the  main  the  burning  sun  descend. 
And  sacred  night  lier  awful  shade  extend." 

He  spoke,  and  Iris  at  his  word  obey'd; 
On  wings  of  winds  descends  the  various  maid. 
The  chief  siie  found  amidst  tlie  ranks  of  war, 
Close  to  the  Inilwarks,  on  his  glittering  car. 
The  goddess  then:  "()  son  of  I'riam  licarl 
From  Jove  I  come,  and  his  high  mandate  bear. 


274  THE  ILIAD. 

While  Agamemnon  wastes  tlie  ranks  aronnd, 
Fights  in  the  front  and  bathes  with  blood  the  sround, 
Abstain  from  fight;  yet  issue  forth  commands,"^ 
And  trust  the  war  to  less  important  hands: 
But  when,  or  wounded  by  the  spear  or  dart, 
The  chief  shall  mount  his  chariot,  and  depart, 
Then  Jove  shall  string  thy  arm,  and  fire  thv  breast, 
Then  to  her  ships  shall  flying  Greece  be  press'd, 
Till  to  the  main  the  burning  sun  descend. 
And  sacred  night  her  awful  shade  extend." 

She  said,  and  vanish'd.     Hector,  with  a  bound, 
Springs  from  his  chariot  on  tlie  trembling  ground. 
In  clanging  arms:  he  grasps  in  either  hand 
A  pointed  lance,  and  speeds  from  band  to  band; 
Revives  their  ardor,  turns  their  steps  from  flight. 
And  awakes  anew  the  dying  flames  of  fight. 
They  stand  to  arms:  the  Greeks  their  onset  dare. 
Condensed  their  powers,  and  wait  the  coming  war. 
New  force,  new  spirit,  to  each  breast  returns; 
The  fight  renew'd  with  fiercer  fury  burns: 
The  king  leads  on:  all  fix  on  him  their  eye, 
And  learn  from  him  to  conquer,  or  to  die. 

Ye  sacred  nine!  celestial  Muses!  tell, 
Who  faced  him  first,  and  by  his  prowess  fell? 
The  great  Iphidamas,  the  bold  and  young, 
From  sage  Antenor  and  Theano  sprung; 
Whom  from  his  youth  his  graudsire  Cisseus  bred. 
And  nursed  in  Thrace  where  snowy  flock  are  fed. 
Scarce  did  the  down  his  rosy  cheeks  invest, 
And  early  honor  warm  his  generous  breast, 
When  the  kind  sire  consign'd  his  daughter's  charms 
(Theano's  sister)  to  his  youthfnl  arms. 
But  call'd  by  glory  to  the  wars  of  Troy, 
He  leaves  untasted  tlie  first  fruits  of  joy; 
From  his  loved  bride  departs  with  meltiiig  eyes, 
And  swift  to  aid  his  dearer  country  flies. 
With  twelve  black  ships  he  reaclr'd  Percope's  strand. 
Thence  took  the  long  laborious  march  by  land. 
Now  fierce  for  flame,  before  the  ranks  he  springs. 
Towering  in  arms,  and  braves  the  king  of  kings. ' 
Atrides  first  discharged  the  missive  spear; 
The  Trojan  stoop'd,  the  javelin  pass'd  in  air. 
Then  near  the  corslet,  at  the  monarch's  heart, 
With  all  his  strength,  the  youth  directs  his  dart: 
But  the  broad  belt,  with  plates  of  silver  bound, 


THE  ILIAD.  375 

The  point  rebated,  and  repell'd  the  wound. 

Encuraber'd  with  the  dart,  Atrides  stands, 

Till,  grasp'd  with  force,  he  wrench'd  it  from  his  hands; 

At  once  his  weighty  sword  discharged  a  wound 

Full  on  his  neck,  that  fell'd  him  to  the  ground. 

Stretch'd  in  the  dust  the  unhappy  warrior  lies, 

And  sleep  eternal  seals  his  swimming  eyes. 

Oh  worthy  better  fate!  oh  early  slain! 

Thy  country's  friend;  and  virtuous,  though  in  vain! 

No  more  the  youth  shall  join  his  consort's  side, 

At  once  a  virgin,  and  at  once  a  bride! 

No  more  with  presents  her  embraces  meet, 

Or  lay  the  spoils  of  conquest  at  her  feet. 

On  whom  his  passion,  lavish  of  his  store, 

Bestow'd  so  much,  and  vainly  promised  more! 

Unwept,  uncover'd,  on  the  plain  he  lay. 

While  the  proud  victor  bore  his  arms  away. 

Coon,  Antenor's  eldest  hope,  was  nigh: 
Tears,  at  the  sight,  came  starting  from  his  eye. 
While   pierced   with   grief  the   much-loved   youth  he 

view'd, 
And  the  pale  features  now  deform'd  with  blood. 
Then,  with  his  spear,  unseen,  his  time  he  took, 
Aim'd  at  the  king,  and  near  his  elbow  strook. 
The  thrilling  steel  transpierced  the  brawny  part, 
And  through  his  arm  stood  forth  the  barbed  dart. 
Surprised  the  monarch  feels,  yet  void  of  fear 
On  Coon  rushes  with  his  lifted  spear: 
His  brother's  corpse  the  pious  Trojan  draws, 
And  calls  his  country  to  assert  his  cause; 
Defends  him  breathless  on  the  sanguine  field, 
And  o'er  the  body  spreads  his  ample  shield. 
Atrides,  marking  an  unguarded  part, 
Transfix'd  the  warrior  with  his  brazen  dart; 
Prone  on  his  brother's  bleeding  breast  he  lay, 
The  monarch's  falchion  lopp'd  his  head  away: 
The  social  shades  the  same  dark  journey  go, 
And  join  each  other  in  the  realms  below. 

The  vengeful  victor  rages  round  the  fields, 
With  every  weapon  art  or  fury  yields: 
By  the  long  lance,  the  sword,  or  ponderous  stone, 
AVhole  ranks  are  broken,  and  whole  troops  o'erthrown. 
This,  while  yet  warm  distillM  the  purple  flood; 
liut  when  the  wound  grew  still'  witii  clotted  blood. 
Then  grinding  tortures  his  strong  bosom  rend. 


276  THE  ILIAD. 

Less  keen  those  darts  the  fierce  llythiiB  send : 

(The  powers  that  cause  the  teeming  matron's  throes 

Sad  mothers  of  unutterable  woes!) 

Stung  with  tlie  smart,  all-panting  with  the  pain, 

He  mounts  the  car,  and  gives  his  squire  the  rein; 

Then  with  a  voice  which  fury  made  more  strong, 

And  pain  augmented,  thus  exhorts  the  throng: 

"0  friends!  0  Greeks!  assert  your  honors  won; 
Proceed,  and  finish  what  this  arm  begun: 
Lo!  angry  Jove  forbids  your  chief  to  stay, 
And  envies  half  the  glories  of  the  day." 

He  said:  the  driver  whirls  his  lengthful  thong; 
The  horses  fly;  the  chariot  smokes  along. 
Clouds  from  their  nostrils  the  fierce  coursers  blow, 
And  from  their  sides  the  foam  descends  in  snow; 
Shot  through  the  battle  in  a  moment's  space. 
The  wounded  monarch  at  his  tent  they  place. 

No  sooner  Hector  saw  the  king  retired. 
But  thus  his  Trojans  and  his  aids  he  fired: 
"Hear,  all  ye  Da'rdan,  all  ye  Lycian  race! 
Famed  in  close  fight,  and  dreadful  face  to  face: 
Now  call  to  mind  your  ancient  trophies  won. 
Your  great  forefathers'  virtues,  and  your  own. 
Behold,  the  general  flies!  deserts  his  powers! 
Lo,  Jove  himself  declares  the  conquest  ours! 
Now  on  yon  ranks  impel  your  foaming  steeds; 
And,  sure  of  glory,  dare  immortal  deeds." 

With  words  like  these  the  fiery  chief  alarms 
His  fainting  host,  and  every  bosom  warms. 
As  the  bold  hunter  cheers  his  hounds  to  tear 
The  brindled  lion,  or  the  tusky  bear: 
With  voice  and  hand  provokes  their  doubting  heart 
And  springs  the  foremost  with  his  lifted  dart: 
So  godlike  Hector  prompts  his  troops  to  dare: 
Nor  prompts  alone,  but  leads  himself  the  war. 
On  the  black  body  of  the  foe  he  pours; 
As  from  the  cloud's  deep  bosom,  swell'd  with  showers, 
A  sudden  storm  the  purple  ocean  sweeps. 
Drives  the  wild  waves,  and  tosses  all  the  deeps. 
Say,  Muse!  when  Jove  the  Trojan's  glory  crown'd, 
Beneath  his  arm  what  heroes  bit  the  ground? 
Assa3us,  Dolops,  and  Autonous  died, 
Opites  next  was  added  to  their  side; 
Then  brave  Hipponous,  famed  in  many  a  fight, 
Opheltius,  Orus,  sunk  to  endless  night; 


THE  ILIAD.  27? 

^S3'mnns,  Agelaiis;  all  chiefs  of  name; 

The  rest  were  vulgar  deaths  unknown  to  fame. 

As  when  a  western  whirlwind,  charged  with  storms, 

Dispels  the  gather'd  clouds  that  Notus  forms: 

The  gust  continued,  violent  and  strong, 

Eolls  sable  clouds  in  heaps  on  heaps  along; 

Now  to  the  skies  the  foaming  billows  rears, 

Now  breaks  the  surge,  and  wide  the  bottom  bears: 

Thus,  raging  Hector,  with  resistless  hands, 

O'erturns,  confounds  and  scatters  all  their  bands. 

Now  the  last  ruin  the  whole  host  appals: 

Now  Greece  had  trembled  in  her  wooden  walls; 

But  wise  Ulysses  call'd  Tydides  forth. 

His  soul  rekindled,  and  awaken  his  worth. 

"And  stand  we  deedless,  0  eternal  shame! 

Till  Hector's  arm  involve  the  ships  in  flame? 

Haste,  let  us  join,  and  combat  side  by  side." 

The  warrior  thus,  and  thus  the  friend  replied: 

*'No  martial  tcil  I  shun,  no  danger  fear; 
Let  Hector  come;  I  wait  his  fury  here. 
But  Jove  with  conquest  crowns  the  Trojan  train: 
Add,  Jove  our  foe,  all  human  force  is  vain." 

He  sighed;  but,  sighing,  raised  his  vengeful  steel, 
And  from  his  car  the  proud  Thymbrseus  fell: 
Molion,  the  charioteer,  pursued  his  lord, 
His  death  ennobled  by  Ulysses'  sword. 
There  slain,  they  left  them  in  eternal  night. 
Then  plunged  among  the  thickest  ranks  of  fight. 
80  two  wild  boars  outstrip  the  following  hounds, 
Then  swift  revert,  and  wounds  return  for  wounds. 
Stern  Hector's  conquests  in  the  middle  plain 
Stood  chcck'd  awhile,  and  Greece  respired  again. 

The  sons  of  ]\Ierrops  shone  amidst  the  war; 
Towering  they  rode  in  one  refulgent  car: 
In  deep  prophetic  arts  their  father  skill'd, 
Had  warn'd  his  ciiildren  from  the  Trojan  field. 
Fate  urged  them  on:  the  father  warn'd  in  vain; 
They  rusli'd  to  fight,  and  peri.sh'd  on  the  plain; 
Their  breast  no  more  the  vital  spiiit  warms; 
'J'he  stern  Tydides  sti'ips  their  shining  arms. 
Hyitirochus  Ijy  great  Ulysses  dies. 
And  rich  Hi})[)odamus  becomes  his  prize. 
Great  Jove  from  Ide  with  slaughter  fills  his  siglit, 
And  level  liaugs  the  d()iil)tful  scale  of  fight. 
By  'J'ydeus'  lance  Agastrophus  was  slain, 


278  THE  ILIAD. 

The  far-famed  hero  of  Paeouian  straiu; 
Wing'd  with  his  fears,  on  foot  he  strove  to  fly, 
His  steeds  too  distant,  and  tlie  foe  too  nigh: 
Through  broken  orders,  swifter  than  the  wind, 
He  fled,  but  flying  left  his  life  behind. 
This  Hector  sees,  as  his  experienced  eyes 
Traverse  the  files,  and  to  the  rescue  flies; 
Shouts,  as  he  pass'd,  the  crystal  regions  rend, 
And  moving  armies  on  his  march  attend. 
Great  Diomed  himself,  was  seized  with  fear, 
And  thus  bespoke  his  brother  of  the  war: 

"Mark  how  this  way  yon  bending  squadrons  yield! 
The  storm  rolls  on,  and  Hector  rules  the  field: 
Here  stand  his  utmost  force." — The  warrior  said; 
Swift  at  the  word  his  ponderous  javelin  fled; 
Nor  miss'd  its  aim,  but  M'here  the  plumage  danced 
Kazed  the  smooth  cone,  and  thence  obliquely  glanced 
Safe  in  his  helm  (the  gift  of  Phoebus'  hands) 
Without  a  wound  the  Trojan  hero  stands; 
But  yet  so  stunn'd,  that,  staggering  on  the  plain, 
His  arm  and  knee  his  sinking  bulk  sustain; 
O'er  his  dim  sight  the  misty  vapors  rise, 
And  a  short  darkness  shades  his  swimming  eyes. 
Tydides  followed  to  regain  his  lance; 
While  Hector  rose,  recover'd  from  the  trance, 
Remounts  his  car,  and  herds  amidst  the  crowd: 
The  Greek  pursues  him,  and  exults  aloud: 
"Once  more  thank  Phoebus  for  thy  forfeit  breath, 
0  thank  that  swiftness  which  outstrips  the  death. 
Well  by  Apollo  are  thy  prayers  repaid, 
And  oft  that  partial  power  has  lent  his  aid. 
Thou  shalt  not  long  the  death  deserved  withstand, 
If  any  god  assist  Tydides'  hand. 
Fly  then,  inglorious!  but  thy  flight,  this  day, 
Whole  hecatombs  of  Trojan  ghosts  shall  pay." 

Him,  while  he  triumph'd,  Paris  eyed  from  far 
(The  spouse  of  Helen,  the  fair  cause  of  war): 
Around  the  fields  his  feather'd  shafts  he  sent. 
From  ancient  Ilus'  ruin'd  monument: 
Behind  the  column  placed,  he  bent  his  bow, 
And  wing'd  an  arrow  at  the  unwary  foe; 
Just  as  he  stoop'd,  Agastrophus'  crest 
To  seize,  and  drew  the  corslet  from  his  breast. 
The  bowstring  twang'd;  nor  flew  the  shaft  in  vain. 
But  pierced  his  foot,  and  nail'd  it  to  the  plain. 


THE  ILIAD.  279 

The  laughing  Trojan,  with  a  joyful  spring, 
Leaps  from  his  ambush,  and  insults  the  king. 

"He  bleeds  I  (he  cries)  some  god  has  sped  my  dart! 
Would  the  same  god  had  fis'd  it  in  his  heart! 
So  Troy,  relieved  from  that  wide-wasting  hand, 
Should  breathe  from  slaughter  and  in  combat  stand; 
AVhose  sons  now  tremble  at  his  darted  spear. 
As  scatter'd  lambs  the  rushing  lion  fear." 

He  dauntless  thus:  "Thou  conqueror  of  the  fair, 
Thou  woman-warrior  with  the  curling. hair; 
Vair  archerl  trusting  to  the  distant  dart, 
Unskill'd  in  arms  to  act  a  manly  part! 
Thou  hast  but  done  what  boys  or  women  can; 
Such  hands  mav  wound,  but  not  incense  a  man. 
Nor  boast  the  scratch  thy  feeble  arrow  gave, 
A  coward's  weapon  never  hurts  the  brave. 
Not  so  this  dart,  which  thou  may'st  one  day  feel; 
Fate  wings  its  flight,  and  death  is  on  the  steel: 
Where  this  but  lights,  some  noble  life  expires; 
Its  touch  makes  orphans,  bathes  the  cheeks  of  sires, 
Steeps  earth  in  purple,  gluts  the  birds  of  air, 
And  leaves  such  objects  as  distract  the  fair." 
Ulysses  hastens  with  a  trembling  heart. 
Before  him  steps,  and  bending  draws  the  dart: 
Forth  flows  the  blood;  an  eager  pang  succeeds; 
Tydides  mounts,  and  to  the  navy  speeds. 

Now  on  the  field  Ulysses  stands  alone. 
The  Greeks  all  fled,  the  Trojans  pouring  on; 
But  stands  collected  in  himself,  and  whole, 
And  qiiestions  thus  his  own  unconquer'd  soul: 

"What  further  subterfuge,  what  hopes  remain? 
What  shame,  inglorious  if  I  quit  the  plain? 
What  danger,  singly  if  I  stand  the  ground, 
!My  friends  all  scatter'd,  all  the  foes  around? 
Yet  wherefore  doubtful?  let  this  trutii  suflice. 
The  brave  meets  danger,  and  the  coward  flies. 
To  die  or  conquer,  j)roves  a  hero's  heart; 
And,  knowing  this,  I  know  a  soldier's  i)art." 

Such  thoughts  revolving  in  his  careful  breast, 
Near,  and  more  near,  the  siiady  cohorts  press'd; 
These,  in  the  warrior,  their  own  fate  enchjso; 
And  round  him  deep  the  steely  circle  grows. 
So  fares  a  boar  whom  all  the  troop  surrounds 
Of  shouting  huntsmen  and  of  nhunorous  hounds; 
He  grinds  his  ivory  tusks;  he  foams  with  ire; 


2 so  THE  ILIAD. 

His  sanguine  eyeballs  glare  with  living  fire! 
By  these,  by  those,  on  every  part  is  plied; 
And  the  red  slaughter  spreads  on  every  side. 
Pierced  through  the  shoulder,  first  Deiopis  fell; 
Next  Ennomus  and  Thoon  sank  to  hell; 
Chersidamas,  beneath  the  naval  thrust, 
Falls  prone  to  earth,  and  grasps  the  bloody  dust. 
Charops,  the  son  of  Hippasus,  was  near; 
Ulysses  reach'd  him  with  the  fatal  spear; 
But,  to  his  aid  his  brother  Socus  flies, 
Socus  the  brave,  the  generous,  and  the  wise. 
Near  as  he  drew,  the  warrior  thus  began: 

"0  great  Ulysses!  much-enduring  man! 
Not  deeper  skill'd  in  every  martial  sleight, 
Than  worn  to  toils,  and  active  in  the  fight! 
This  day  two  brothers  shall  thy  conquest  grace, 
And  end  at  once  the  great  Hippasian  race. 
Or  thou  beneath  this  lance  must  press  the  field." 
He  said,  and  forceful  pierced  his  spacious  shield: 
Through  the  strong  brass  the  ringing  javelin  thrown, 
Plough 'd  half  his  side,  and  bared  it  to  the  bone. 
By  Pallas'  care,  the  spear,  though  deep  infix'd, 
Stopp'd  short  of  life,  nor  with  his  entrails  mix'd. 

The  wound  not  mortal  wise  Ulysses  knew, 
Then  furious  thus  (but  first  some  steps  withdrew): 
"Unhappy  man!  whose  death  our  hands  shall  grace! 
Fate  calls  thee  hence  and  finish'd  is  thy  race. 
Nor  longer  check  my  conquests  on  the  foe; 
But,  pierced  by  this,  to  endless  darkness  go. 
And  add  one  spectre  to  the  realms  below!" 

He  spoke,  while  Socus,  seized  with  sudden  fright, 
Trembling  gave  way,  and  turn'd  his  back  to  flight; 
Between  his  shoulders  pierced  the  following  dart. 
And  held  its  passage  through  the  panting  heart: 
Wide  in  his  breast  appear'd  the  grisly  wound; 
He  falls;  his  armor  rings  against  the  ground. 
Then  thus  Ulysses,  gazing  on  the  slain; 
"Famed  son  of  Hippasus!  there  press  the  plain; 
There  ends  thy  narrow  span  assign'd  by  fate. 
Heaven  owes  Ulysses  yet  a  longer  date. 
Ah,  wretch!  no  father  shall  thy  corpse  compose; 
Thy  dying  eyes  no  tender  mother  close; 
But  hungry  birds  shall  tear  those  balls  away. 
And  hovering  vultures  scream  around  their  prey. 
Me  Greece  shall  honor,  when  I  meet  my  doom, 


THE  ILIAD.  281 

With  solemn  funerals  and  a  lasting  tomb." 

Then  raging  with  intolerable  smart, 
He  writhes  his  body,  and  extracts  the  dart. 
The  darfc  a  tide  of  spouting  gore  pursued. 
And  gladden'd  Troy  with  sight  of  hostile  blood. 
Now  troops  on  troops  the  fainting  chief  invade, 
Forced  he  recedes,  and  loudly  calls  for  aid. 
Thrice  to  its  pitch  his  lofty  voice  he  rears; 
The  well-known  voice  thrice  Menelails  hears: 
Alarm'd,  to  Ajax  Telamon  he  cried, 
Who  shares  his  labors,  and  defends  his  side: 
"0  friend!  Ulysses'  shouts  invade  my  ear; 
Distress'd  he  seems,  and  no  assistance  near; 
Strong  as  he  is,  yet  one  opposed  to  all, 
Oppress'd  by  multitudes,  the  best  may  fall. 
Greece  robb'd  of  him  must  bid  her  host  despair, 
And  feel  a  loss  not  ages  can  repair." 

Then,  where  tiie  cry  directs,  his  course  he  bends; 
Great  Ajax,  like  the  god  of  war,  attends. 
The  prudent  chief  in  sore  distress  they  found, 
With  bands  of  furious  Trojans  compass'd  round.* 
As  when  some  huntsman,  with  a  flying  spear. 
From  the  blind  thicket  wounds  a  stately  deer; 
Down  his  cleft  side,  while  fresh  the  blood  distils, 
He  bounds  aloft,  and  scuds  from  hills  to  hills. 
Till  life's  warm  vapor  issuing  through  the  wound. 
Wild  mountain-wolves  the  fainting  beast  surround: 
Just  as  their  jaws  iiis  prostrate  limbs  invade. 
The  lion  rushes  through  the  woodland  shade. 
The  wolves,  though  hungry,  scour  dispersed  away; 
The  lordly  savage  vindicates  his  prey. 
Ulysses  thus,  unoonquer'd  by  his  pains, 
A  single  warrior  half  a  host  sustains: 
IJut  soon  as  Ajax  leaves  his  tower-like  shield, 
The  scatter'd  crowds  fly  frighted  o'er  the  fleld; 

*  "  Circled  with  foes  as  when  a  packe  of  bloodie  jackals  cling 
About  a  goodly  palmed  liart,  liurt  with  a  hunter's  how 
Whose  escape  his  niuible  feet  insure,  whilst  liis  warm   blood 

doth  How, 
And  his  light  knees  have  power  to  move:  but  (niaistred  by  his 

wound) 
Embost  within  a  shady  hill,  tlu^  jackals  charge  him  round, 
And    teare    his    flesh — when    instantly   fortune   sends    iu    the 

powers 
Of  some  Sterne  lion,  with  whose  sighte  they  (lie  and  he  devours. 
So  they  around  Ulysses  prest." — Chapmau. 


282  THE  ILIAD. 

Atrides'  arm  the  sinking  hero  stays, 

And,  saved  from  numbers,  to  his  car  conveys. 

Victorious  Ajax  plies  the  routed  crew; 
And  first  Doryclus,  Priam's  son,  he  slew. 
On  strong  Pandocus  next  inflicts  a  wound, 
And  lays  Lysander  bleeding  on  the  ground. 
As  when  a  torrent,  swell'd  with  wintry  rains, 
Pours  from  the  mountains  o'er  the  deluged  plains, 
And  pines  and  oaks,  from  their  foundations  torn, 
A  country's  ruins!  to  the  seas  are  borne: 
Fierce  Ajax  thus  o'erwhelms  the  yielding  throng; 
Men,  steeds,  and  chariots,  roll  in  heaps  along. 

But  Hector,  from  this  scene  of  slaughter  far, 
Paged  on  the  left,  and  ruled  the  tide  of  war: 
Loud  groans  proclaim  his  progress  through  the  plain, 
And  deep  Scamander  swells  with  heaps  of  slain. 
There  Nestor  and  Idomeneus  oppose 
The  warrior's  fury;  there  the  battle  glows; 
There  fierce  on  foot,  or  from  the  chariot's  height, 
His  sword  deforms  the  beauteous  ranks  of  fight. 
The  spouse  of  Helen,  dealing  darts  around, 
Had  pierced  Machaon  with  a  distant  wound; 
In  his  right  shoulder  the  broad  shaft  appear'd, 
And  trembling  Greece  for  her  physician  fear'd. 
To  Nestor  then  Idomeneus  begun: 
"Glory  of  Greece,  old  Neleus'  valiant  son! 
Ascend  thy  chariot,  haste  with  speed  away. 
And  great  Machaon  to  the  ships  convey; 
A  wise  physician  skill'd  our  wounds  to  heal, 
Is  more  than  armies  to  the  public  weal." 
Old  Nestor  mounts  the  seat;  beside  him  rode 
The  wounded  offspring  of  the  healing  god. 
He  lends  the  lash;  the  steeds  with  sounding  feet 
Shake  the  dry  field,  and  thunder  toward  the  fleet. 

But  now  Cebriones,  from  Hector's  car, 
Survey 'd  the  various  fortune  of  the  war: 
"While  here  (he  cried)  the  flying  Greeks  are  slain, 
Trojans  on  Trojans  yonder  load  the  plain. 
Before  great  Ajax  see  the  mingled  throng 
Of  men  and  chariots  driven  in  heaps  along! 
I  know  him  well,  distinguish'd  o'er  the  field 
By  the  broad  glittering  of  the  sevenfold  shield. 
Thither,  0  Hector,  thither  urge  thy  steeds, 
There  danger  calls,  and  there  the  combat  bleeds. 
There  horse  and  foot  in  mingled  deaths  unite, 


THE  ILIAD.  283 

And  groiins  of  slaughter  mix  with  shouts  of  fight." 

Thus  having  spoke,  the  driver's  h\sh  resounds; 
Swift  through  the  raniis  the  rapid  chariot  bounds; 
Stuug  by  the  stroke,  the  coursers  scour  the  fields, 
O'er  heaps  of  carcases,  and  hills  of  shields. 
The  horses'  hoofs  are  bathed  in  heroes'  gore, 
And,  dashing,  purple  all  the  car  before; 
The  groaning  axle  sable  drops  distils, 
And  mangled  carnage  clogs  the  rapid  wheels. 
Here  Hector,  plunging  through  the  thickest  fight, 
Broke  the  dark  phalanx,  and  let  in  the  light 
(By  the  long  lance,  the  sword,  or  ponderous  stone, 
Tiie  ranks  lie  scatter'd  and  the  troops  o'erthrowu): 
Ajax  he  shuns,  through  all  the  dire  debate, 
And  fears  that  arm  whose  force  he  felt  so  late. 
But  partial  Jove,  espousing  Hector's  part, 
Shot  heaven-bred  horror  through  the  Grecian's  heart; 
Confused,  nnnerved  in  Hector's  presence  grown, 
Amazed  he  stood,  with  terrors  not  his  own. 
O'er  his  broad  back  his  moony  shield  he  threw. 
And,  glaring  round,  by  tardy  steps  withdrew. 
Thus  the  grim  lion  his  retreat  maintains. 
Beset  with  watchful  dogs,  and  shouting  swains; 
Repulsed  by  numbers  from  the  nightly  stalls. 
Though  rage  impels  him,  and  though  hunger  calls, 
Long  stands  the  showering  darts,  and  missile  fires; 
Then  sourlv  slow  the  indi2;nant  beast  retires: 
So  turn'd  stern  Ajax,  by  whole  hosts  repell'd, 
While  his  swoln  heart  at  every  step  rebell'd. 

As  the  slow  beast,  with  heavy  strength  endued, 
In  some  wide  field  by  troops  of  boys  pursued, 
Though  round  his  sides  a  wooden  tem})est  rain, 
Crops  tlie  tall  harvest,  and  lays  waste  the  plain; 
Thick  on  his  hide  the  hollow  blows  resound, 
The  patient  animal  maintains  his  ground. 
Scarce  from  the  field  witli  all  their  efforts  chased, 
And  stirs  but  slowly  when  he  stirs  at  last: 
On  Ajax  thus  a  weight  of  Trojans  hung. 
The  strokes  redoubled  on  his  buckler  rung; 
Confiding  now  in  bulky  strength  he  stands, 
Now  turns,  and  backward  boars  the  yielding  bands; 
Now  stilf  recedes,  yet  hardly  seems  to  fiy. 
And  threats  his  followers  with  retorted  eye. 
P'ix'd  as  the  bar  between  two  warring  powers. 
While  hissing  darts  dcaocnd  in  iron  showers: 


284  T-'^E  ILIAD. 

In  his  broad  buckler  many  a  weapon  stood, 
Its  surface  bristled  with  a  quivering  wood; 
And  many  a  javelin,  guiltless  on  the  plain, 
Marks  the  dry  dust,  and  thirsts  for  blood  in  vain. 
But  bold  Eurypylus  his  aid  imparts. 
And  dauntless  springs  beneath  a  cloud  of  darts; 
Whose  eager  javelin  launch'd  against  the  foe, 
Great  Apisaon  felt  the  fatal  blow ; 
From  his  torn  liver  the  red  current  flow'd, 
And  his  slack  knees  desert  their  dying  load. 
The  victor  rushing  to  despoil  the  dead, 
From  Paris'  bow  a  vengeful  arrow  fled; 
Fix'd  in  his  nervous  thigh  the  weapon  stood, 
Fix'd  was  the  point,  but  broken  was  the  wood. 
Back  to  the  lines  the  wounded  Greek  retired. 
Yet  thus  retreating,  his  associates  fired : 

"What  god,  0  Grecians!  has  your  hearts  dismay'd? 
Oh,  turn  to  arms;  'tis  Ajax  claims  your  aid. 
This  hour  he  stands  the  mark  of  hostile  rage, 
And  this  the  last  brave  battle  he  shall  wage: 
Haste,  join  your  forces;  from  the  gloomy  grave 
The  warrior  rescue,  and  your  country  save." 
Thus  urged  the  chief:  a  generous  troop  appears. 
Who  spread  their  bucklers,  and  advance  their  spears. 
To  guard  their  wounded  friend  :  while  thus  they  stand, 
With  pious  care,  great  Ajax  joins  the  band: 
Each  takes  new  courage  at  the  hero's  sight; 
The  hero  rallies,  and  renews  the  fight. 

Thus  raged  both  armies  like  conflicting  fires. 
While  Nestor's  chariot  far  from  fight  retires: 
His  coursers  steep'd  in  sweat,  and  stain'd  with  gore. 
The  Greeks'  preserver,  great  Machaon,  bore. 
That  hour  Achilles,  from  the  topmost  height 
Of  his  proud  fleet,  o'erlook'd  the  fields  of  fight; 
His  feasted  eyes  beheld  around  the  plain 
The  Grecian  rout,  the  slaying,  and  the  slain. 
His  friend  Machaon  singled  from  the  rest, 
A  transient  pity  touch'd  his  vengeful  breast. 
Straight  to  Menoetius'  much-loved  son  he  sent: 
Graceful  as  Mars,  Patroclus  quits  his  tent: 
In  evil  hour!     Then  fate  decreed  his  doom, 
And  fix'd  the  date  of  all  his  woes  to  come. 

"Why  calls  my  friend?  thy  loved  injunctions  lay; 
Whate'er  thy  will,  Patroclus  shall  obey." 

"0  first  of  friends!  (Pelides  thus  replied) 


THE  ILIAD.  285 

Still  at  my  heart,  and  ever  at  my  side! 

The  time  is  come,  when  yon  despairing  host 

Shall  learn  the  value  of  the  man  they  lost: 

Now  at  my  knees  the  Greeks  shall  pour  their  moan, 

And  proud  Atrides  tremble  on  his  throne. 

Go  now  to  Nestor,  and  from  him  be  taught 

What  wounded  warrior  late  his  chariot  brought: 

For,  seen  at  distance,  and  but  seen  behind. 

His  form  recall'd  Machaon  to  my  mind; 

Nor  could  I,  through  yon  cloud,  discern  his  face, 

The  coursers  pass'd  me  Avith  so  swift  a  pace." 

The  hero  said.     His  friend  obey'd  with  haste, 
Through  intermingled  ships  and  tents  he  pass'd; 
The  chiefs  descending  from  their  car  he  found: 
Tne  panting  steeds  Eurymedon  unbound. 
The  warriors  standing  on  the  breezy  shore, 
To  dr}'  their  sweat,  and  wash  away  the  gore. 
Here  paused  a  moment,  while  the  gentle  gale 
Convey'd  that  freshness  the  cool  seas  exhale; 
Then  to  consult  on  farther  methods  went. 
And  took  their  seats  beneath  the  shady  tent. 
The  draught  prescribed,  fair  Hecamede  prepares, 
Arsinous'  daughter,  graced  with  golden  hairs 
(Whom  to  his  aged  arms,  a  royal  slave, 
Greece,  as  the  prize  oi  Nestor's  wisdom  gave): 
A  table  first  with  azure  feet  she  placed; 
AVhoso  am])le  orb  a  brazen  charger  graced; 
Honey  new-press'd,  the  sacred  flour  of  wheat. 
And  wholesome  garlic,  erown'd  the  savory  treat, 
Next  her  white  hand  an  antique  gohlet  brings, 
A  goblet  sacred  to  the  Pylian  kings 
From  eldest  times:  emboss'd  with  studs  of  gold, 
Two  feet  support  it,  and  four  handles  hold; 
On  each  bright  handle,  bending  o'er  the  brink, 
III  sculptured  gold,  two  turtles  seem  to  drink: 
A  massy  weight,  yet  heaved  with  ease  by  him, 
When  the  brisk  nectar  overlook'd  the  brim. 
Ternper'd  in  this,  the  nymjih  of  form  divine 
Pours  a  large  ])orti<)n  of  the  Pi'aniiiian  wine; 
With  goat's-milk  cheese  a  flavorous  taste  bestows, 
And  last  with  flour  tho  smiling  surface  strows: 
This  for  the  wounded  pi'ince  the  dame  prepares: 
The  cordial  beverage  reverend  Nestor  shares: 
Salubrious  draughts  the  warriors'  thii'st  allay, 
And  pleasing  conference  beguiles  the  day. 


28G  THE  ILIAD. 

Meantime  Patrocliis,  by  Achilles  sent, 
Unheard  approached,  and  stood  before  the  tent. 
Old  Nestor,  rising  then,  the  hero  led 
To  his  high  seat:  the  chief  refused  and  said: 

"  'Tis  no  season  for  these  kind  delays; 
The  great  Achilles  with  impatience  stays. 
To  great  Achilles  this  respect  I  owe; 
Who  asks,  what  hero,  wounded  by  the  foe, 
Was  borne  from  combat  by  thy  foaming  steeds? 
With  grief  I  see  the  great  Machaou  bleeds^ 
This  to  report,  my  hasty  course  I  bend ; 
Thou  know'st  the  fiery  temper  of  my  friend." 
"Can  then  the  sons  of  Greece  (the  sage  rejoin'd) 
Excite  compassion  in  Achilles'  mind? 
Seeks  he  the  sorrows  of  our  host  to  know? 
This  is  not  half  the  story  of  our  woe. 
Tell  him,  not  great  Machaon  bleeds  alone, 
.  Our  bravest  heroes  in  the  navy  groan, 
Ulysses,  Agamemnon,  Diomed, 
And  stern  Eurypylus,  ah-eady  bleed. 
But,  ah!  what  flattering  hopes  I  entertain! 
Achiles  heeds  not,  but  derides  our  pain: 
Even  till  the  flames  consume  our  fleet  he  stays, 
And  waits  the  rising  of  the  fatal  blaze. 
Chief  after  chief  the  raging  foe  destroys; 
Calm  he  looks  on,  and  every  death  enjoys. 
Now  the  slow  course  of  all-impairing  time 
Unstrings  my  nerves,  and  ends  my  manly  prime; 
Oh!  had  I  still  that  strength  my  youth  possess'd, 
When  this  bold  arm  the  Epeian  powers  oppress'd, 
The  bulls  of  Elis  in  glad  triumph  led, 
And  stretch'd  the  great  Ityomnaeus  dead! 
Then  from  my  fury  lUd  the  trembling  swains, 
And  ours  was  all  the  plunder  of  the  plains; 
Fifty  white  flocks,  full  fifty  herds  of  swine, 
As  many  goats,  as  many  lowing  kine: 
And  thrice  the  number  of  unrivall'd  steeds, 
All  teeming  females,  and  of  generous  breeds. 
These,  as  my  first  essay  of  arms,  I  won; 
Old  Neleus  gloried  in  his  conquering  son. 
Thus  Elis  forced,  her  long  arrears  restored. 
And  shares  were  parted  to  each  Pylian  lord. 
The  state  of  Pyle  was  sunk  to  last  despair. 
When  the  proud  Elians  first  commenced  the  war: 
For  Neleus'  sons  Alcides'  rage  had  slain; 


THE  ILIAD.  287 

Of  twelve  bold  brothers  I  alone  remain! 

Oppress'd,  we  arm'd;  and  now  this  conquest  gain'd, 

My  sire  three  hundred  chosen  sheep  obtain'd. 

(That  large  reprisal  he  might  justly  claim, 

For  prize  defrauded,  and  insulted  fame, 

AVheu  Elis'  monarcli,  at  the  public  course, 

Detain'd  iiis  chariot,  and  victorious  horse.) 

The  rest  the  people  shared;  myself  survey'd 

The  just  partition,  and  due  victims  paid. 

Three  days  were  past,  when  Elis  rose  to  war, 

With  many  a  courser,  and  with  many  a  car; 

The  sons  of  Actor  at  their  army's  head 

(Young  as  they  were)  the  vengeful  squadrons  led. 

High  on  the  rock  fair  Thryoessa  stands, 

Our  utmost  frontier  on  the  Pylian  lands: 

Not  far  the  streams  of  famed  Alphteus  flow. 

The  stream  they  pass'd,  and  pitch'd  their  tents  below. 

Pallas,  descending  in  tiie  shades  of  night. 

Alarms  the  Pylians  and  commands  the  fight. 

Each  burns  for  fame,  and  swells  with  martial  pride, 

Myself  the  foremost;  but  my  sire  denied; 

Fear'd  for  my  youth,  exposed  to  stern  alarms; 

And  stopp'd  my  chariot,  and  detain'd  my  arms. 

My  sire  denied  in  vain:  on  foot  I  fled 

Amidst  our  chariots;  for  the  goddess  led. 

"Along  fair  Arene's  delightful  plain 
Soft  Minyae  rolls  his  waters  to  the  main: 
There,  horse  and  foot,  the  Pylian  troops  unite, 
And  sheathed  iu  arms  expect  the  dawning  light. 
Thence,  ere  the  sun  advanced  his  noonday  flame, 
To  great  Alphreus'  sacred  source  we  came. 
There  first  to  Jove  our  solemn  rights  were  paid; 
An  untamed  heifer  pleased  the  blue-eyed  maid; 
A  bull,  Alphicus;  and  a  bull  was  slain 
To  the  blue  monarch  of  the  watery  main. 
In  arms  we  slept,  beside  the  winding  flood, 
While  round  the  town  the  fierce  Epoians  stood. 
Soon  as  the  sun,  with  all-revealing  ray. 
Famed  in  the  front  of  Heaven,  and  gave  the  day, 
Bright  scenes  of  arms,  and  works  of  war  appear; 
The  nations  meet;  there  Pylos,  Elis  here. 
The  first  who  fell,  beneath  my  javelin  bled 
Kind  Augias'  son,  and  spouse  of  Agamede 
(She  that  all  simples'  healing  virtues  knew, 
And  every  herb  that  drinks  the  morning  dew): 


388  THE  ILIAT). 

I  seized  his  car,  the  van  of  battle  led ; 
The  Epians  saw,  they  trembled,  and  they  fled. 
The  foe  dispersed,  their  bravest  warrior  liilled. 
Fierce  as  the  whirlwind  now  I  swept  the  field: 
Full  fifty  captive  chariots  graced  my  train; 
Two  chiefs  from  each  fell  breathless  to  the  plain. 
Then  Actor's  sons  had  died  but  Neptune  shrouds 
The  youthful  heroes  in  a  veil  of  clouds. 
O'er  heapy  shields,  and  o'er  the  prostrate  throng, 
Collecting  spoils,  and  slaughtering  all  along, 
Through  wide  Buprasian  fields  we  forced  the  foes, 
AVhere  o'er  the  vales  the  Olenian  rocks  arose; 
Till  Pallas  stopp'd  us  where  Alisium  flows. 
Even  there  the  hindmost  of  the  rear  I  slay. 
And  the  same  arm  that  led  concludes  the  day; 
Then  back  to  Pyle  triumphant  take  my  way. 
There  to  high  Jove  were  public  thanks  assign'd, 
As  first  of  gods;  to  Nestor,  of  mankind. 

Such  then  I  was,  impell'd  by  youthful  blood; 
So  proved  my  valor  for  my  country's  good. 

"Achilles  with  unactive  fury  glows, 
And  gives  to  passion  what  to  Greece  he  owes. 
How  shall  he  grieve,  when  to  the  eternal  shade 
Her  hosts  shall  sink,  nor  his  the  power  to  aid! 
0  friend!  my  memory  recalls  the  day. 
When,  gathering  aids  along  the  Grecian  sea, 
I,  and  Ulysses,  touch'd  at  Phthia's  port. 
And  enter'd  Peleus'  hospitable  court. 
A  bull  to  Jove  he  slew  in  sacrifice, 
And  pour'd  libations  on  the  flaming  thighs. 
Thyself,  Achilles,  and  thy  reverend  sire 
Menoetius,  turn'd  the  fragments  on  the  fire. 
Achilles  sees  us,  to  the  feast  invites; 
Social  we  sit,  and  share  the  genial  rites. 
We  then  explained  the  cause  on  which  we  came, 
Urged  you  to  arms,  and  found  you  fierce  for  fame. 
Your  ancient  fathers  generous  precepts  gave; 
Peleus  said  only  this: — 'My  son!  be  brave.' 
Menoetius  thus:  'Though  great  Achilles  shine 
In  strength  superior,  and  of  race  divine. 
Yet  cooler  thoughts  thy  elder  years  attend; 
Let  thy  just  counsels  aid,  -and  rule  thy  friend.' 
Thus  spoke  your  father  at  Thessalia's  court. 
Words  now  forgot,  though  now  of  vast  import 
Ah!  try  the  utmost  that  a  friend  can  say: 


THE  ILIAD.  289 

Such  gentle  force  the  fiercest  minds  obey; 

Some  favoring  god  Achilles'  heart  may  move; 

Though  deaf  to  glory,  he  may  yield  to  love. 

If  some  dire  oracle  his  breast  alarm, 

If  aught  from  Heaven  withhold  his  saving  arm, 

Some  beam  of  comfort  yet  on  Greece  may  shine, 

If  thou  but  lead  the  Myrmidonian  line: 

Clad  in  Achilles'  arms,  if  thou  appear. 

Proud  Troy  may  tremble,  and  desist  from  war; 

Press'd  by  fresh  forces,  her  o'erlabor'd  train 

Shall  seek  their  walls,  and  Greece  respire  again." 

This  touch 'd  his  generous  heart,  and  from  the  tent 
Along  the  shore  with  hasty  strides  he  went; 
Soon  as  he  came,  where,  on  the  crowded  strand, 
The  public  mart  and  courts  of  justice  stand, 
Where  the  tall  fleet  of  great  Ulysses  lies, 
And  altars  to  the  guardian  gods  arise; 
There,  sad,  he  met  the  brave  Evtemon's  son, 
Large  paiiiful  drops  from  all  his  members  run; 
An  arrow's  head  yet  rooted  in  his  wound, 
The  sable  blood  in  circles  mark'd  the  ground. 
As  faintly  reeling  he  confess'd  tne  smart. 
Weak  was  his  pace,  and  dauntless  was  his  heart. 
Divine  compassion  touch'd  Patroclus'  breast, 
Who,  sighing,  thus  his  bleeding  friend  address'd: 

"Ah,  hapless  leaders  of  the  Grecian  host! 
Thus  must  ye  perish  on  a  barbarous  coast? 
Is  this  your  fate,  to  glut  the  dogs  with  gore. 
Far  from  your  frienJs,  and  from  your  native  shore? 
Say,  great  EurypylusI  shall  Greece  yet  stand? 
liesists  she  yet  the  raging  Hector's  hand? 
Or  are  her  ])eroes  doom'd  to  die  with  shame, 
And  this  tlic  period  of  our  wars  and  fame? 

Eurypylns  replies:  "No  more,  my  friend; 
Greece  is  no  morel  this  day  her  glories  end; 
Even  to  the  ships  victorious  Troy  pursues, 
Hor  lorco  increasing  as  her  toil  renews. 
Those  chiefs,  that  used  her  utmost  rage  to  meet. 
Lie  picM'ced  witli  wounds,  and  hlccdiiig  in  tlie  lletit- 
But,  thou,  Patroclus  I  act  a  friendly  part, 
Lead  to  my  ships,  and  draw  this  deadly  dart; 
AV^ith  lukewarm  water  wash  the  gore  away; 
With  healing  l)alms  the  raging  smart  allay, 
Such  as  sage  ('hiron,  sire  of  pharmacy. 
Once  taught  Achilles,  and  Achilles  thoo. 


290  THE  ILIAD. 

Of  two  famed  surgeons,  Podalirius  stands 
This  hour  surrounded  by  the  Trojan  bands; 
And  great  Machaon,  wounded  in  his  tent, 
Now  wants  that  succor  which  so  oft  he  lent.'* 

To  him  the  chief:   "What  then  remains  to  do 
The  event  of  things  the  gods  alone  can  view. 
Charged  by  Achilles'  great  command  I  fly, 
And  bear  with  haste  the  Pylian  King's  reply: 
But  thy  distress  this  instant  claims  relief." 
He  said,  and  in  his  arms  upheld  the  chief. 
The  slaves  their  master's  slow  approach  survey'd, 
And  hides  of  oxen  on  the  floor  display'd.: 
There  stretch'd  at  length  the  wounded  hero  lay; 
Patroclus  cut  the  forky  steel  away: 
Then  in  his  hands  a  bitter  root  he  bruised; 
The  wound  he  wash'd,  the  styptic  juic*  infused. 
The  closing  flesh  that  instant  ceased  to  glow, 
The  wound  to  torture,  and  the  blood  to  flow. 


THE  ILIAD.  391 


BOOK  XII. 
AEGUMENT. 

THE    BATTLE   AT   THE   GRECIAN   WALL. 

The  Greeks  having  retired  into  their  entrenchments,  Hector  at- 
tempts to  force  them:  but  it  proving  impossible  to  pass  the 
ditch,  Polydamas  advises  to  quit  their  chariots,  and  manage 
the  attack  on  foot.  The  Trojans  follow  his  counsel;  and 
having  divided  their  army  into  five  bodies  of  foot,  begin  the 
assault.  But  upon  the  signal  of  an  eagle  with  a  serpent  in 
his  talons,  which  appeared  on  the  left  hand  of  the  Trojans, 
Polydamas  endeavors  to  withdraw  them  again.  This  Hector 
opposes,  and  continues  the  attack;  in  which  after  many 
actions,  Sarpedon  makes  the  first  breach  in  the  wall.  Hector 
also,  casting  a  stone  of  vast  size,  forces  open  one  of  the  gates, 
and  enters  at  the  head  of  his  troops,  who  victoriously  pursue 
the  Grecians  even  to  their  ships. 

"While  thus  the  hero's  pious  cares  attend 
The  cure  and  safety  of  his  wounded  friend, 
Trojans  and  (rreeks  with  chishiui;  shields  engage, 
And  mutual  deaths  are  dealt  with  mutual  rage. 
Nor  long  the  trench  or  lofty  walls  oppose; 
With  gods  averse  the  ill-fated  works  arose; 
Their  powers  neglected,  and  no  victim  slain. 
The  walls  were  raised,  the  trenches  sunk  in  vain. 

Without  the  gods,  how  short  a  period  stands 
The  proudest  moiiumetitof  mortal  hands! 
This  stood  while  Hector  and  Achilles  raged. 
While  sacred  Troy  the  warring  hosts  engaged; 
]iut  when  her  sons  w(!re  slain,  her  city  hurivd, 
And  what  survived  of  Greece  to  ({r(u'cc  return'd; 
Then  Xei)tune  and  Apollo  shook  the  shore. 
Then  Ida's  summits  pour'd  their  watery  store; 
Rhesus  and  lihodius  then  unite  their  rills, 
Caresus  roaring  down  the  stony  hills, 
yEsepus,  Granicus,  with  mingled  force. 
And  Xanthuo  foaming  from  his  fruitful  source; 


293  THE  ILIAD.  ^1 

And  gnlfy  Simoi's,  rolling  to  the  main*  ■ 

Helmets,  and  shields,  and  godliiie  heroes  slain:  "' 

These,  turu'd  by  Phoebns  from  their  wonted  ways, 

Delnged  the  rampire  nine  continnal  days; 

The  weight  of  waters  saps  the  yielding  wall, 

And  to  the  sea  the  floating  bnhvarks  fall. 

Incessant  cataracts  the  Thunderer  pours, 

And  half  the  skies  descend  in  sluicy  showers. 

The  god  of  ocean,  marching  stern  before, 

With  his  huge  trident  wounds  the  trembling  shore, 

Vast  stones  and  piles  from  their  foundation  heaves. 

And  whelms  the  smoky  ruin  in  the  waves. 

Now  smooth'd  with  sand,  and  levell'd  by  the  flood, 

No  fragment  tells  where  once  the  wonder  stood; 

In  their  old  bounds  the  rivers  roll  again, 

Shine  'twixt  the  hills,  or  wander  o'er  the  plain. f 

But  this  the  gods  in  later  times  perform; 
As  yet  the  bulwark  stood,  and  braved  the  storm; 
The  strokes  yet  echoed  of  contending  powers; 
War  thunder'd  at  the  gates,  and   blood   distain'd  the 

towers. 
Smote  by  the  arm  of  Jove  with  dire  dismay, 
Close  by  their  hollow  ships  the  Grecians  lay: 
Hector's  approach  in  every  wind  they  hear. 
And  Hector's  fury  every  moment  fear. 
He,  like  a  whirlwind,  toss'd  the  scattering  throng. 
Mingled  the  troops,  and  drove  the  field  along. 
So  'midst  the  dogs  and  hunters'  daring  bands, 
Pierce  of  his  might,  a  boar  or  lion  stands; 
Arm'd  foes  around  a  dreadful  circle  form, 
And  hissing  javelins  rain  an  iron  storm; 
His  powers  untamed,  their  bold  assault  defy, 
And  where  he  turns  the  rout  disperse  or  die; 
He  foams,  he  glares,  he  bounds  against  them  all, 

*  Simo'is,  roUitig,  etc. 

"  In  those  bloody  fields 
Where  Simois  rolls  the  bodies  and  the  shields 
Of  heroes."— Dryden's  Virgil,  i.  142. 
\"  Where  you  disorder'd  heap  of  ruin  lies, 

Stones  rent  froju  stones — where  clouds  of  dust  arise — 
Amid  that  smother,  Neptune  holds  his  place. 
Below  the  wall's  foundation  drives  his  mace, 
And  heaves  the  building  from  the  solid  base." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  ii.  835. 


THE  ILIAD.  293 

And  if  he  falls,  his  courage  makes  him  fall. 
With  equal  rage  encompass'd  Hector  glows; 
Exhorts  his  armies,  and  the  trenches  shows. 
The  panting  steeds  impatient  fury  breathe, 
And  snort  and  tremble  at  the  gulf  beneatli; 
Just  at  the  brink  they  neigh,  and  paw  the  ground, 
And  the  turf  trembles,  and  the  skies  resound. 
Eager  they  viow'd  the  prospect  dark  and  deep, 
A^ast  was  the  leap,  and  headlong  hung  the  steep; 
The  bottom  bare  (a  formidable  show)! 
And  bristled  thick  with  sharpened  stakes  below. 
The  foot  alone  this  strong  defence  could  force, 
And  try  the  pass  impervious  to  the  horse. 
This  saw  Polydamas;  who,  wisely  brave, 
Eestrain'd  great  Hector,  and  this  counsel  gave: 

"0  thou,  bold  leader  of  the  Trojan  bands! 
And  you,  confederate  chiefs  from  foreign  lands! 
What  entrance  here  can  cumbrous  chariots  find, 
The  stakes  beneath,  the  Grecian  walls  behind? 
No  pass  through  those,  without  a  thousand  wounds, 
No  space  for  combat  in  yon  narrow  bounds. 
Proud  of  the  favors  mighty  Jove  has  shown. 
On  certain  dangers  we  too  rashly  run: 
If  'tis  his  will  our  haughty  foes  to  tame, 
Oh  may  this  instant  end  the  Grecian  name! 
Here,  far  from  Argos,  let  their  heroes  fall, 
And  one  great  day  destroy  and  bury  all! 
But  should  they  turn,  and  here  oppress  our  train, 
AVhat  hopes,  what  methods  of  retreat  remain? 
Wedged  in  the  trench,  by  our  own  troops  confused, 
In  one  promiscuous  carnage  crusli'd  and  bruised, 
All  Troy  must  perish,  if  their  arms  prevail. 
Nor  shall  a  Trojan  live  to  tell  the  tale. 
Hear  then,  yo  warriors!  and  obey  with  speed; 
Back  from  the  trenciios  let  your  steeds  be  led; 
'J'hcn  all  alighting,  wedged  in  firm  array, 
Proceed  on  foot,  and  Hector  lead  the  way. 
So  (ireeco  shall  stoo})  before  our  conquering  power, 
And  this  (if  Jove  consent)  her  fatal  hour." 

This  counsel  pleased:  the  godlike  Hector  sprung 
Swift  from  his  s(Mt;  his  clanging  armor  rung. 
The  chief's  exaiiijtlo  folh^vM  by  his  train. 
Each  quits  his  car,  and  issues  on  the  ])lain, 
I>y  orders  strict  the  cliarioteers  enjoin M 
Compel  the  coursers  to  their  ranks  behind. 


294  THE  ILIAD. 

The  coursers  part  in  five  distinguish'd  bands, 

And  all  obey  their  several  chiefs'  commands. 

The  best  and  bravest  in  the  first  conspire, 

Pant  for  the  fight,  and  threat  the  fleet  with  fire: 

Great  Hector,  glorious  in  the  van  of  these, 

Polydamas,  and  brave  Cebriones. 

Before  the  next  the  graceful  Paris  shines, 

And  bold  Alcathous,  and  Agenor  joins. 

The  sons  of  Priam  with  tiie  third  appear, 

Dei'phobus,  and  Helenus  the  seer; 

In  arms  with  these  the  mighty  Asius  stood, 

Who  drew  from  Hyrtactus  his  noble  blood, 

And  whom  Arisba's  yellow  coursers  bore. 

The  coursers  fed  on  Selle's  winding  shore. 

An  tenor's  sons  the  fourth  battalion  guide, 

And  great  ^neas,  born  on  fountful  Ida. 

Divine  Sarpedon  the  last  band  obey'd, 

Whom  Glaucus  and  Asteropaeus  aid. 

Next  him,  the  bravest,  at  their  army's  head, 

But  he  more  brave  than  all  the  hosts  he  led. 

Now  with  compacted  shields  in  close  array. 
The  moving  legions  speed  their  headlong  way: 
Already  in  their  hopes  they  fire  the  fleet, 
And  see  the  Grecians  gasping  at  their  feet. 

While  every  Trojan  thus,  and  every  aid, 
The  advice  of  wise  Polydamas  obey'd, 
Asius  alone,  confiding  in  his  car, 
His  vaunted  coursers  urged  to  meet  the  war. 
Unhappy  hero!  and  advised  in  vain; 
Those  wheels  returning  ne'er  shall  mark  the  jilain; 
No  more  those  coursers  with  triumphant  joy 
Eestore  their  master  to  the  gates  of  Troy! 
Blacic  death  attends  behind  the  Grecian  wall. 
And  great  Idomeneus  shall  boast  thy  fall! 
Fierce  to  the  left  he  drives,  where  from  the  plain 
The  flying  Grecians  strove  their  ships  to  gain; 
Swift  through  the  wall  their  horse  and  chariots  pass'd, 
The  gates  half-open'd  to  receive  the  last. 
Thither,  exulting  in  his  force,  he  flies: 
His  following  host  with  clamors  rend  the  skies: 
To  plunge  the  Grecians  headlong  in  the  main. 
Such  their  proud  hopes;  but  all  their  hopes  were  vain! 

To  guard  the  gates,  two  mighty  chiefs  attend. 
Who  from  the  Lapiths'  warlike  race  descend; 
This  Polypoetes,  great  Perithous'  heir, 


THE  ILIAD.  295 

And  that  Leonteus,  like  the  god  of  war. 
As  two  tall  oaks,  before  the  wall  they  rise; 
Their  roots  in  earth,  their  iieads  amidst  the  skies: 
Whose  spreading  arms  with  leafy  honors  crowu'd, 
Forbid  tlie  tempest,  and  protect  the  ground; 
High  on  the  hills  appears  their  stately  form, 
And  their  deep  roots  forever  brave  the  storm. 
So  graceful  these,  and  so  the  shock  they  stand 
Of  raging  Asius,  and  his  furious  band. 
Orestes,  Acamas,  in  front  appear. 
And  Qilnomaus  and  Thoon  close  the  rear: 
In  vain  their  clamors  shake  the  ambient  fields, 
In  vain  around  them  beat  their  hollow  shields; 
The  fearless  brothers  on  the  Grecians  call, 
To  guard  their  navies,  and  defend  the  wall. 
Even  when  they  saw  Troy's  sable  troops  impend, 
And  Greece  tumultuous  from  her  towers  descend, 
Forth  from  the  portals  rush'd  the  intrepid  pair. 
Opposed  their  breasts,  and  stood  themselves  the  war. 
►So  two  wild  boars  spring  furious  from  their  den, 
Eoused  with  the  cries  of  dogs  and  voice  of  men ; 
On  every  side  the  crackling  trees  they  tear. 
And  root  the  slirubs,  and  lay  the  forest  bare; 
They  gnash  their  tusks,  with  tire  their  eyeballs  roll, 
Till  some  wide  wound  lets  out  their  mighty  soul. 
Around  their  heads  the  whistling  javelins  sung. 
With  sounding  strokes  their  brazen  targets  rung; 
Fierce  was  the  fight,  while  yet  the  Grecian  powers 
Maintain'd  the  walls,  and  mann'd  the  lofty  towers: 
To  save  their  tlect  their  last  eH'orts  they  try. 
And  stones  and  darts  in  mingled  tempests  lly. 

As  when  sharp  Boreas  blows  abroad,  and  brings 
The  dreary  winter  on  his  frozen  wings; 
j'eneatli  the  low-hung  clouds  the  sheets  of  snow 
Descend,  and  whiten  all  the  fields  below: 
So  fast  the  darts  on  either  army  pour, 
So  down  tlie  rampires  rolls  the  rocky  shower: 
Heavy,  and  tliick,  resound  the  batter'd  shields, 
And  the  deaf  echo  rattles  round  the  fields. 

With  slianu!  repulsed,  with  grief  and  fury  driven, 
The  frantic  Asius  thus  accuses  lleavei\: 
"In  powers  immortal  who  shall  now  believe? 
(Jan  those  too  flatter,  and  can  Jove  deceive? 
What  man  couhl  d(Mibt  but  Troy's  victorious  power 
Should  humble  Greece,  and  this  her  fatal  hour? 


296  THE  ILIAD. 

But  like  when  wasps  from  hollow  crannies  drive, 
To  guard  the  entrance  of  their  common  hive, 
Darkening  the  rock,  while  with  unwearied  wings 
They  strike  the  assailants,  and  infix  their  stings; 
A  race  determined,  that  to  death  contend: 
So  fierce  these  Greeks  their  last  retreats  defend. 
Gods!  shall  two  warriors  only  guard  their  gates, 
Eepel  an  army,  and  defraud  the  fates?" 

These  empty  accents  mingled  with  the  wind, 
Nor  moved  great  Jove's  unalterable  mind; 
To  godlike  Hector  and  his  matchless  might 
Was  owed  the  glory  of  the  destined  fight. 
Like  deeds  of  arms  through  all  the  forts  were  tried, 
And  all  the  gates  sustain'd  an  equal  tide; 
Through  the  long  walls  the  stony  showers  were  heard. 
The  blaze  of  flames,  the  flash  of  arms  appear'd. 
The  spirit  of  a  god  my  breast  inspire. 
To  raise  each  act  to  life,  and  sing  with  fire! 
While  Greece  unconquer'd  kept  alive  the  war. 
Secure  of  death,  confiding  in  despair; 
And  all  her  guardian  gods,  in  deep  dismay, 
With  nnassisting  arms  deplored  the  day. 

Even  yet  the  dauntless  Lapithaj  maintain 
The  dreadful  pass,  and  round  them  heap  the  slain. 
First  Damasus,  by  Polypcetes'  steel. 
Pierced  through  his  helmet's  brazen  visor,  fell; 
The  weapon  drank  the  mingled  brains  and  gore! 
The  warrior  sinks,  tremendous  now  no  more! 
Next  Ormenus  and  Pylon  yield  their  breath: 
Nor  less  Leontus  strews  the  field  with  death; 
First  through  the  belt  Hippomachus  he  gored, 
Then  sudden  waved  his  unresisted  sword: 
Antiphates,  as  through  the  ranks  he  broke. 
The  falchion  struck,  and  fate  pursued  the  stroke: 
lilmenus,  Orestes,  Menon,  bled; 
And  round  him  rose  a  monument  of  dead. 
Meantime,  the  bravest  of  the  Trojan  crew, 
Bold  Hector  and  Polydamas,  pursue; 
Fierce  with  impatience  on  the  works  to  fall, 
And  wrap  in  rolling  flames  the  fleet  and  wall. 
These  on  the  farther  bank  now  stood  and  gazed. 
By  Heaven  alarm'd,  by  prodigies  amazed: 
A  signal  omen  stopp'd  the  jiassing  host. 
Their  martial  fury  in  their  wonder  lost. 
Jove's  bird  on  sounding  pinions  beat  the  skies; 


THE  IIJAD.  29? 

A  bleeding  serpent  of  enormous  size, 

His  tiilons  truss'd;  alive,  and  curling  round, 

He  stung  the  bird,  whose  throat  received  the  wound. 

Mad  with  the  smart,  he  drops  the  fatal  pre}'. 

In  airy  circles  wings  his  painful  way. 

Floats  on  the  winds,  and  rends  the  heaven  with  cries: 

Amidst  the  host  the  fallen  serpent  lies. 

They,  pale  with  terror,  mark  its  spires  unroll'd, 

And  Jove's  portent  with  beating  hearts  behold. 

Then  first  Polydamas  the  silence  broke. 

Long  weigh'd  the  signal,  and  to  Hector  spoke: 

"How  oft,  my  brotiier,  thy  reproach  I  bear. 
For  Words  well  meant,  and  sentiments  sincere? 
True  to  those  counsels  which  I  judge  the  best, 
I  tell  the  faithful  dictates  of  my  breast. 
To  speak  his  thoughts  is  every  freeman's  right, 
In  peace,  in  war,  in  council,  and  in  fight; 
And  all  I  move,  deferring  to  thy  sway, 
But  tends  to  raise  that  power  which  I  obey. 
Then  hear  my  words,  nor  may  my  words  be  vain: 
Seek  not  this  day  the  Grecian  ships  to  gain; 
For  sure,  to  warn  us,  Jove  his  omen  sent. 
And  thus  my  mind  explains  its  clear  event: 
The  victor  eagle,  whose  sinister  flight 
Retards  our  host,  an]  fills  our  hearts  with  fright, 
iJismiss'd  his  conquest  in  the  middle  skies, 
Allow'd  to  seize,  but  not  possess  the  prize; 
Thus,  though  wc  gird  with  fires  the  Grecian  fleet. 
Though  these  proud  bulwarks  tumble  at  our  feet, 
Toils  unforeseen,  and  fiercer,  are  decreed; 
i\Iore  woes  shall  follow,  and  more  heroes  bleed. 
So  bodes  my  soul,  and  bids  me  thus  advise; 
For  thus  a  skillful  seer  would  read  the  skies." 

To  him  then  Hector  with  disdain  return'd: 
(Fierce  as  he  spoke,  his  eyes  with  fury  burn'd): 
"Are  these  tlie  faitbful  counsels  of  thy  tongue? 
Thy  will  is  partial,  not  thy  reason  wrong: 
Or  if  the  jjurpose  of  thy  heart  thou  vent, 
Sure  heaven  resumes  the  little  sense  it  lent. 
Wliat  coward  counsels  would  thy  madness  movo 
Against  the  word,  the  will  reveal'd  of  Jove? 
The  leading  sign,  tb(!  irrevocable  nod, 
And  happy  thunders  of  the  favoring  g(jd, 
These  shall  I  slight,  and  guide  my  wavering  mind 
By  wandering  birds  tli:it  (lit  with  every  wind? 


298  THE  ILIAD. 

Ye  vagrants  of  the  sky!  your  wings  extend, 

Or  where  the  snns  arise,  or  where  descend; 

To  right,  to  left,  unheeded  take  your  way, 

While  I  the  dictates  of  high  heaven  obey. 

Without  a  sign  his  sword  the  brave  man  draws, 

And  asks  no  omen  but  his  country's  cause. 

But  why  should'st  thou  suspect  the  war's  success? 

None  fears  it  more,  as  none  promotes  it  less: 

Though  all  our  chiefs  amidst  yon  ships  expire. 

Trust  thy  own  cowardice  to  escape  their  fire. 

Troy  and  her  sons  may  find  a  general  grave, 

But  thou  canst  live,  for  thou  canst  be  a  slave. 

Yet  should  the  fears  that  wary  minds  suggests 

Spread  their  cold  poison  through  our  soldiers'  breasts, 

My  javelin  can  revenge  so  base  a  part, 

And  free  the  soul  that  quivers  in  thy  heart." 

Furious  he  spoke,  and,  rushing  to  the  wall, 
Calls  on  his  host;  his  host  obey  the  call; 
With  ardor  follow  where  their  leader  flies: 
Eedoubling  clamors  thunder  in  the  skies. 

Jove  breathes  a  whirlwind  from  the  hills  of  Ide,  1 

And  drifts  of  dust  the  clouded  navy  hide;  I 

He  fills  the  Greeks  with  terror  and  dismay,  " 

And  gives  great  Hector  the  predestined  day. 
Strong  in  themselves,  but  stronger  in  his  aid. 
Close  to  the  works  their  rigid  siege  they  laid. 
In  vain  the  mounds  and  massy  beams  defend. 
While  these  they  undermine,  and  those  they  rend; 
Upheaved  the  piles  that  prop  the  solid  wall; 
And  heaps  on  heaps  the  smoky  ruins  fall. 
Greece  on  her  ramparts  stands  the  fierce  alarms 
The  crowded  bulwarks  blaze  with  waving  arms. 
Shield  touching  shield,  a  long  refulgent  row; 
Whence  hissing  darts,  incessant,  rain  below. 
The  bold  Ajaces  fly  from  tower  to  tower. 
And  rouse,  with  flame  divine,  the  Grecian  power. 
The  generous  impulse  every  Greek  obeys; 
Threats  urge  the  fearful;  and  the  valiant,  praise. 

"Fellows  in  armsl  whosQ  deeds  are  known  to  fame,  ■ 
And  you,  whose  ardor  hopes  an  equal  name! 
Since  not  alike  endued  with  force  or  art; 
Behold  a  day  when  each  may  act  his  part! 
A  day  to  fire  the  brave,  and  warm  the  cold, 
I'o  gain  new  glories,  or  augment  the  olil. 
Urge  those  who  stand,  and  those  who  faint,  excite; 


THE  ILTAT).  299 

Drown  Hector's  vaunts  in  loud  exhorts  of  fight; 
Conquest,  not  safety,  fill  the  thouglits  of  all; 
Seek  not  your  fleet,  but  sally  from  the  wall; 
So  Jove  once  more  may  drive  their  routed  train, 
And  Troy  lie  trembling  in  her  walls  again." 

Their  ardor  kindles  all  the  Grecian  poM'ers; 
And  now  the  stones  descend  in  heavier  showers. 
As  when  high  Jove  his  sharp  artillery  forms, 
And  opes  his  cloudy  magazine  of  storms; 
In  winter's  bleak  uncomfortable  reign, 
A  snowy  inundation  hides  the  plain; 
He  stills  the.  winds,  and  bids  the  skies  to  sleep; 
Then  pours  the  silent  tempest  thick  and  deep; 
And  first  the  mountain-tops  are  cover'd  o'er. 
Then  the  green  fields,  and  tiien  the  sandy  shore; 
Bent  with  the  weight,  the  nodding  woods  are  seen, 
And  one  bright  waste  hides  all  the  works  of  men: 
Tlie  circling  seas,  alone  absorbing  all. 
Drink  the  dissolving  fleeces  as  they  fall: 
So  from  each  side  increased  the  stony  rain. 
And  the  white  ruin  rises  o'er  the  plain. 

Thus  godlike  Hector  and  his  troops  contend 
To  force  the  ramparts,  and  the  gate  to  rend: 
Xor  Troy  could  conquer,  nor  t!ie  Greeks  would  yield, 
Till  great  Sarpedon  tower'd  amid  the  field; 
For  mighty  Jove  inspired  with  martial  flame 
His  matchless  son,  and  urged  him  on  to  fame. 
In  arms  he  shines,  conspicuous  from  afar. 
And  bears  aloft  his  ample  shield  in  air; 
Within  whose  orb  the  thick  bull-hides  were  roU'd, 
Ponderous  with  brass,  and  bound  with  ductile  gold: 
And  wliile  two  pointed  javelins  arm  his  hands, 
Majestic  moves  along,  and  leads  iiis  Lycian  bands. 

So  press'd  with  hunger,  from  the  mountain's  brow 
Descends  a  lion  on  the  flocks  below; 
So  stalks  the  lordly  savage  o'er  the  plain, 
In  sullen  majesty,  and  stern  disdain; 
In  vain  loud  mastiffs  bay  him  from  afar. 
And  shopherdri  gall  iiim  with  an  iron  war; 
J{fgardless,  furious,  he  pursues  his  way; 
He  foams,  he  roars,  he  rends  the  panting  prey. 

Resolved  alike,  divine  Sarpedon  glows 
With  generous  rage  that  drives  him  on  the  foes. 
Ho  views  the  towers,  and  meditates  their  fall, 
To  sure  destruction  dooms  the  aspiring  wall; 


300  THE  ILIAD. 

Then  casting  on  his  friend  an  ardent  look, 
Fired  with  the  thirst  of  glory,  thus  he  spoke: 

"Why  boast  we,  Ghiucus!  our  extended  reign,* 
Where  Xauthus'  streams  enrich  the  Lycian  plain, 
Our  numerous  herds  that  range  the  fruitful  field. 
And  hills  where  vines  their  pnrple  harvest  yield, 
Our  foaming  bowls  with  purer  nectar  crown'd, 
Our  feasts  enhanced  with  music's  sprightly  sound? 
Why  on  those  shores  are  we  with  joy  survey'd. 
Admired  as  heroes,  and  as  gods  obey'd, 
Unless  great  acts  superior  merit  prove. 
And  vindicate  the  bounteous  powers  above? 
'Tis  ours,  the  dignity  they  give  to  grace; 
The  first  in  valor,  as  the  first  in  place; 
That  when  with  wondering  eyes  our  martial  bands 
Behold  our  deeds  transcending  our  commands. 
Such,  they  may  cry,  deserve  the  sovereign  state, 
Whom  those  that  envy  dare  not  imitate! 
Could  all  our  care  elude  the  gloomy  grave, 
Which  claims  no  less  the  fearful  and  the  brave. 
For  last  of  fame  I  should  not  vainly  dare 
In  fighting  fields,  nor  urge  thy  soul  to  war. 
But  since,  alas!  ignoble  age  must  come, 
Disease,  and  death's  inexorable  doom, 
The  life,  which  others  pay,  let  us  bestow. 
And  give  to  fame  what  we  to  nature  owe; 
Brave  though  wo  fall,  and  honor'd  if  we  live, 
Or  let  us  glory  gain,  or  glory  give!" 

He  said;  his  words  the  listening  chief  inspire 
With  equal  warmth,  and  rouse  the  warrior's  fire; 
The  troops  pursue  their  leaders  with  delight. 
Rash  to  the  foe,  and  claim  the  promised  fight. 
Menestheus  from  on  high  the  storm  beheld 
Threatening  the  fort,  and  blackening  in  the  field: 
Around  the  walls  he  gazed,  to  view  from  far 
What  aid  appear'd  to  avert  the  approaching  war, 
And  saw  where  Teucer  with  the  Ajaces  stood, 

*  Why  boast  we. 

"  Wherefore  do  I  assume 
These  royalties  and  not  refuse  to  reign, 
Refusing  to  accept  as  great  a  share 
Of  hazard  as  of  honor,  due  alike  to  him 
Who  reigns,  and  so  much  to  him  due 
Of  hazard  more,  as  he  above  the  rest 
High  honor'd  sits." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  ii.  450. 


TEE  ILIAD.     ,  301 

Of  fight  insatiate,  prodigal  of  blood. 

In  vain  he  calls;  the  din  of  helms  and  shields 

Rings  to  the  skies,  and  echoes  through  the  fields, 

The  brazen  hinges  fly,  the  walls  resound, 

Heaven  trembles,  roar  the  mountains,  thunders  all  the 

ground, 
Then  thus  to  Thoos:  "Hence  with  speed  (he  said). 
And  urge  the  bold  Ajaces  to  our  aid; 
Their  strength,  united,  best  may  help  to  bear 
The  bloody  labors  of  the  doubtful  war: 
Hither  the  Lycian  princes  bend  their  course, 
The  best  and  bravest  of  the  hostile  force. 
But  if  too  fiercely  there  the  foes  contend. 
Let  Telamon,  at  least,  our  towers  defend. 
And  Teucer  haste  with  his  unerring  bow 
To  share  the  danger,  and  repel  the  foe." 

Swift,  at  the  word,  the  herald  speeds  along 
The  lofty  ramparts,  through  the  martial  throng. 
And  finds  the  heroes  bathed  in  sweat  and  gore. 
Opposed  in  combat  on  the  dusty  shore. 
"Ye  valiant  leaders  of  our  warlike  bands! 
Your  aid  (said  Thoos)  Peteus'  son  demands; 
Your  strength,  united,  best  may  help  to  bear 
The  bloody  labors  of  the  doubtful  war: 
Thither  the  Lycian  princes  bend  their  course, 
The  best  and  bravest  of  the  hostile  force. 
But  if  too  fiercely,  here,  the  foes  contend, 
At  least,  let  Telamon  those  towers  defend, 
And  Teucer  haste  with  his  unerring  bow 
To  share  the  danger,  and  repel  the  foe." 

Straight  to  the  for';  great  Ajax  turn'd  his  care, 
And  thus  bespoke  his  brothers  of  the  war: 
*'Now,  valiant  Lycomedel  exert  your  might, 
And  bravo  Oileus,  prove  your  force  in  fight; 
To  you  I  trust  the  fortune  of  the  field, 
Till  by  this  arm  the  foe  sh;  11  be  rcpell'd  : 
That  done,  expect  me  to  complete  the  day. 
Then  with  his  sevenfold  shield  he  strode  away. 
"With  (;f|nul  stops  bold  Teucer  i)rosriM  the  shore, 
Whose  fatal  bow  the  strong  I'andion  bore. 

High  on  the  walls  apiJOar'd  the  Lycian  powers, 
Like  some  black  tempest  gatlioring  round  the  towers: 
The  Greeks,  oppressM,  their  utmost  force  unite. 
Prepared  to  labor  in  tlie  unequal  fight: 
The  war  renews,  mix'd  shouts  and  groans  arise; 


302  THE  ILIAD. 

Tumultuous  clamor  mounts,  aud  thickens  in  tlie  skies. 

Fierce  Ajax  first  the  advancing  host  invades, 

And  sends  the  brave  Epicles  to  the  shades, 

Sarpedon's  friend.     Across  the  warrior's  way, 

Eent  from  the  walls,  a  rocky  fragment  lay; 

In  modern  ages  not  the  strongest  swain 

Could  heave  the  unwieldy  burden  from  the  plain: 

He  poised,  and  swung  it  round;  then  toss'd  on  high, 

It  fiew  with  force,  and  labor'd  up  the  sky; 

Full  on  the  Lycian's  helmet  thundering  down. 

The  ponderous  ruin  crush'd  his  batter'd  crown. 

As  skillful  divers  from  some  airy  steep 

Headlong  descend,  and  shoot  into  the  deep. 

So  falls  Epicles;  then  in  groans  expires. 

And  murmuring  to  the  shades  the  soul  retires.    • 

While  to  the  ramparts  daring  Glaucus  drew. 
From  Teucer's  hand  a  winged  arrow  flew; 
The  bearded  shaft  the  destined  passage  found. 
And  on  his  naked  arm  inflicts  a  wound. 
The  chief,  Avho  fear'd  some  foe's  insulting  boast 
Might  stop  the  progress  of  his  warlike  host, 
Conceal'd  the  wound,  and  leaping  from  his  height, 
Eetired  reluctant  from  the  unfinish'd  fight. 
Divine  Sarpedon  with  regret  beheld 
Disabled  Glaucus  slowly  quit  the  field; 
His  beating  breast  with  generous  ardor  glows. 
He  springs  to  fight,  and  flies  upon  the  foes. 
Alcmaon  first  was  doom'd  his  force  to  feel; 
Deep  in  his  breast  he  plunged  the  pointed  steel; 
Then  from  the  yawning  wound  with  fury  tore 
The  spear,  pursued  by  gushing  streams  of  gore: 
Down  sinks  the  warrior  with  a  thundering  sound, 
His  brazen  armor  rings  against  the  ground. 

Swift  to  the  battlement  the  victor  flies, 
Tugs  with  full  force,  and  every  nerve  applies: 
It  shakes;  the  ponderous  stones  disjointed  yield; 
The  rolling  ruins  smoke  along  the  field. 
A  mighty  breach  appears;  the  walls  lie  bare; 
And,  like  a  deluge,  rushes  in  the  war. 
At  once  bold  Teucer  draws  the  twanging  bow, 
And  Ajax  sends  his  javelin  at  the  foe; 
Fix'd  in  his  belt  tlie  feather'd  weapon  stood, 
And  through  his  buckler  drove  the  trembling  wood; 
But  Jove  was  present  in  the  dire  debate, 
To  shield  his  offspring,  and  avert  his  fate. 


THE  ILIAD.  303 

The  prince  gave  back,  not  meditating  flight, 

But  urging  vengeance,  and  severer  tight; 

Then  raised  with  hope,  and  tired  with  glory's  charms, 

His  fainting  squadrons  to  new  fury  warms. 

"0  where,  ye  Lycians,  is  the  strength  you  boast? 

Your  former  fame  and  ancient  virtue  lost! 

The  broach  lies  open,  but  your  chief  in  vain 

Attempts  alone  the  guarded  pass  to  gain: 

Unite,  and  soon  that  hostile  fleet  shall  fall: 

The  force  of  powerful  union  conquers  all." 

This  just  rebuke  inflamed  the  Lycian  crew; 
They  join,  they  tliicken,  and  the  assault  renew: 
Unmoved  the  embodied  Greeks  their  fury  dare, 
And  fix'd  support  the  weight  of  all  the  war; 
Nor  could  the  Greeks  repel  the  Lycian  powers. 
Nor  the  bold  Lycians  force  the  Grecian  towers. 
As  on  the  confines  of  adjoining  grounds. 
Two  stubborn  swains  with  blows  dispute  their  bounds; 
They  tug,  they  sweat;  but  neither  gain,  nor  yield, 
Ouefoot,  one  inch,  of  the  contended  field; 
Thus  obstinate  to  death,  they  fight,  they  fall; 
Nor  these  can  keep,  nor  those  can  win  the  wall. 
Their  manly  breasts  are  pierced  with  many  a  wound, 
Loud  strokes  are  heard,  and  rattling  arms  resound; 
The  copious  slaughter  covers  all  the  shore, 
And  the  high  ramparts  drip  with  human  gore. 

As  when  two  scales  are  chtirged  witii  doubtful  loads-. 
From  side  to  side  the  trembling  balance  nods 
(While  some  laborious  matron,  just  and  poor, 
With  nice  exactness  weighs  her  woolly  store). 
Till  poised  aloft,  the  resting  beam  suspends 
Each  equal  weight;  nor  this,  nor  that,  descends:* 
So  stood  the  war,  till  Hector's  matchless  might. 
With  fates  prevailing,  turn'd  the  scale  of  fight. 
Fierce  as  a  whirlwind  up  the  walls  he  files, 
And  fires  his  host  with  loud  repeated  cries. 
"Advance,  ye  TrojansI  lend  your  valiant  hands. 
Haste  to  tlio  licet,  and  toss  the  blazing  brands!" 
They  hear,  they  run;  and,  gatliering  at  his  call, 
Kaise  scaling  engines,  and  ascend  the  wall: 
Around  the  w<n-ks  a  wood  of  glitloring  speara 
Shoots  up,  and  all  the  rising  host  appears. 

*  Each  equ(U  weiyht. 

"  lion^  time  in  even  snile 
The  battle  liuiig."— "  Puradiae  Lost,"  vi.  245. 


30i  THE  ILIAD. 

A  ponderons  stone  bold  Hector  heaved  to  throw, 

Pointed  above,  and  rough  and  gross  below: 

Not  two  strong  men  the  enormous  weight  could  raise, 

Such  men  as  live  in  these  degenerate  days: 

Yet  this,  as  easy  as  a  swain  could  bear 

The  snowy  fleece,  he  toss'd,  and  shook  in  air; 

For  Jove  upheld,  and  lighten'd  of  its  load 

The  unwieldy  rock,  the  labor' of  a  god. 

Thus  arm'd,  before  the  folded  gates  he  came, 

Of  massy  substance,  and  stupendous  frame; 

With  iron  bars  and  brazen  hinges  strong, 

On  lofty  beams  of  solid  timber  hung: 

Then  thundering   through  the   planks  with   forceful 

sway, 
Drives  the  sharp  rock;  the  solid  beams  give  way. 
The  folds  are  shatter'd;  from  the  crackling  door 
Leap  the  resounding  bars,  the  flying  hinges  roar. 
Now  rushing  in,  the  furious  chief  appears, 
Gloomy  as  night!*  and  shakes  two  shining  spears: 
A  dreadful  gleam  from  his  bright  armor  came, 
And  from  his  eyeballs  flash'd  the  living  flame. 
He  moves  a  god,  resistless  in  his  course, 
And  seems  a  match  for  more  than  mortal  force. 
Then  pouring  after,  through  the  gaping  space, 
A  tide  of  Trojans  flows,  and  Alls  the  place; 
The  Greeks  behold,  they  tremble,  and  they  fly; 
The  shore  is  heap'd  with  death,  and  tumult  rends  the 

sky. 

*  "  He  on  liis  impious  foes  right  onward  drove, 
Gloomy  as  night." — "Paradise  Lost,"  vi.  831. 


THE  ILIAD.  305 


BOOK  XIII. 

AEGUMENT. 

THE  FOURTH  BATTLE  COXTIXUED,  IN  "^HICH  NEPTUNE 
ASSISTS  THE  GREEKS:   THE  ACTS  OF  IDOMENEUS^ 

Neptune,  concerned  for  tlie  loss  of  the  Grecians,  upon  seeing  the 
fortification  forced  by  Hector  (who  had  entered  the  gate 
near  the  station  of  the  Ajaces),  assumes  the  shape  of  Calchas, 
and  inspires  those  heroes  to  oppose  him;  then,  in  the  form  of 
one  of  the  generals,  encourages  the  other  Greeks  who  had 
retired  to  their  vessels.  The  Ajaces  form  their  troops  in  a 
close  phalanx,  and  put  a  stop  to  Hector  and  the  Trojans. 
Several  deeds  of  valor  are  performed;  Meriones,  losing  his 
spear  in  the  encounter,  repairs  to  seek  another  at  the  tent  of 
Idomeneus;  this  occasions  a  conversation  between  those  two 
warriors,  who  return  together  to  the  battle.  Idomeneus 
signalizes  his  courage  above  the  rest;  he  kills  Othryoneus, 
Asius  and  Alcathous;  l)»^Vphol)ns  and  ^'I'^neas  march  against 
him,  and  at  length  Idomeneus  retires.  Menelaiis  wounds 
llelenus,  and  kills  Pisander.  The  Trojans  are  repulsed  on 
the  left  wing;  Hector  still  keeps  his  ground  against  the 
Ajaces,  till,  being  galled  by  the  Locrian  slingers  and  archers, 
Polydamas  advises  to  call  a  council  of  war:  Hector  ap])roves 
of  his  ailvice,  but  goes  first  to  rally  the  Trojans;  uj)braids 
Paris,  rejoins  Polydamas,  meets  Ajax  again,  and  renews  the 
attack. 

The  eight-and-twentieth  day  still  continues.     The  scene  is 
between  the  Grecian  wall  and  the  seashore. 

WirEN'  now  the  Tliuiiderer  on  tlie  seu-beat  coast 

II;ul  iix'd  great  IJectoi'  and  his  conquering  host, 

He  left  tlieni  to  the  fates,  in  bloody  fray 

To  toil  and  struggle  through  the  well-fought  day. 

Then  turn'd  to  'J'liracia  from  the  Held  of  light 

Those  eyes  that  shed  insulTerabie  light, 

To  where  tin;  Mysians  prove  their  nnirtial  force, 

And  hardy  Thraf^ijius  tamo  the  savage  horse; 

And  whei'e  the  far-faiued  Hi|i[)omoigian  strays, 

Eenown'd  for  justice  and  f(ir  length  of  days;* 


*  llcnowii'd  for  justice  and  for  length  of  days.     Arrian.  de  Exp. 
Alex.  iv.  p.  239,  also  speaks  of  the  independence  of  these  people, 


300  THE  ILIAD. 

Thrice  happy  race!  that,  innocent  of  blood, 

From  milk,  innoxious  seek  their  simple  food. 

Jove  sees  delighted;  and  avoids  the  scene 

Of  guilty  Troy,  of  arms,  and  dying  men: 

No  aid,  he  deems,  to  either  host  is  given. 

While  his  high  law  suspends  the  powers  of  Heaven. 

Meantime  the  monarch  of  the  watery  main 
Observed  the  Thunderer,  nor  observed  in  vain. 
In  Samothracia,  on  a  mountain's  brow. 
Whose  waving  woods  o'erhung  the  deeps  below, 
He  sat;  and  round  him  cast  his  azure  eyes 
Where  Ida's  misty  tops  confusedly  rise; 
Below,  fair  Ilion's  glittering  spires  were  seen; 
The  crowded  ships  and  sable  seas  between. 
There,  from  the  crystal  chambers  of  the  main 
Emerged,  he  sat,  and  mourn'd  his  Argives  slain. 
At  Jove  incensed,  with  grief  and  fury  stung. 
Prone  down  the  rocky  steep  he  rush'd  along; 
Fierce  as  he  pass'd,  the  lofty  mountains  nod. 
The  forest  shakes;  earth  trembled  as  he  trod, 
And  felt  the  footsteps  of  the  immortal  god. 
From  realm  to  realm  three  ample  strides  he  took, 
And,  at  tlie  fourth,  the  distant  ^Ega  shook. 

Far  in  the  bay  his  shining  palace  stands. 
Eternal  frame!  not  raised  by  mortal  hands: 
This  having  reach'd,  his  brass-hoof'd  steeds  he  reins, 
Fleet  as  the  winds,  and  deck'd  with  golden  manes. 
Refulgent  arms  his  mighty  limbs  infold, 
Immortal  arms  of  adamant  and  gold. 
He  mounts  the  car,  the  golden  scourge  applies, 
He  sits  superior,  and  the  chariot  flies: 
His  whirling  wheels  the  glassy  surface  sweep; 
The  enormous  monsters  rolling  o'er  the  deep 
Gambol  around  him  on  the  watery  way. 
And  heavy  whales  in  awkward  measures  play; 
The  sea  subsiding  spreads  a  level  plain. 
Exults,  and  owns  the  monarch  of  the  main; 


wlaich  he  regards  as  the  result  of  their  poverty  and  uprightness. 
Some  authors  have  regarded  the  phrase  "  Hippomolgian,"  i.  e. 
"milking  their  mares,"  as  an  epithet  applicable  to  nuiuerous 
tribes,  since  the  oldest  of  the  Suuiatian  nomads  made  their  mares' 
mijk^one  of  their  chief  articles  of  diet.  The  epithet  d/iioov  or 
afiicSv,  in  tliis  passage,  has  occasioned  much  discussion.  It  may 
mean,  according  as  we  read  it,  either  "  long-lived,"  or  "  bowless," 
the  latter  epithet  indicating  that  they  did  not  depend  upon 
archery  for  subsistence. 


THE  ILIAD.  30? 

The  parting  waves  before  his  coursers  fly; 
The  wouderiiig  waters  leave  his  axle  dry. 

Deep  in  the  liquid  regions  lies  a  cave, 
Between  where  Tenedos  the  surges  lave, 
And  rocky  Imbrus  breaks  the  rolling  wave: 
There  the  great  ruler  of  the  azure  round 
Stopp'd  his  swift  chariot,  and  his  steeds  unbound, 
Fed  with  ambrosial  herbage  from  his  hand, 
And  iink'd  their  fetlocks  with  a  golden  baud, 
Infrangible,  immortal:  there  they  stay: 
The  father  of  the  floods  pursues  his  way: 
Where,  like  a  tempest,  darkening  heaven  around, 
Or  fiery  deluge  that  devours  the  ground. 
The  impatient  Trojans,  in  a  gloomy  throng, 
Embattled  roll'd,  as  Hector  rush'd  along: 
To  the  loud  tumult  and  the  barbarous  cry 
The  heavens  re-echo,  and  the  shores  reply: 
They  vow  destruction  to  the  Grecian  name, 
And  in  their  hopes  the  fleets  already  flame. 

But  Neptune,  rising  from  the  seas  profound. 
The  god  whose  earthquakes  rock  the  solid  ground. 
Now  wears  a  mortal  form;  like  Calchas  seen. 
Such  his  loud  voice,  and  such  his  manly  mien; 
His  shouts  incessant  every  Greek  inspire. 
But  most  the  Ajaces,  adding  fire  to  lire. 

"  'Tis  yours,  0  warriors,  all  our  hopes  to  raise: 
Oh  recollect  your  ancient  worth  and  praise! 
'Tis  yours  to  save  us,  if  you  cease  to  fear; 
Flight,  more  tlian  shameful,  is  destructive  here. 
On  other  works  though  Troy  Avith  fury  fall, 
And  pour  her  armies  o'er  our  batter'd  wall: 
There  Greece  has  strength:  but  this,  this  part  o'er- 

thrown, 
Her  strength  were  vain;  I  dread  for  you  alone: 
Here  Hector  rages  like  the  force  of  fire, 
Vaunts  of  his  gods,  and  calls  high  Jove  his  sire: 
If  yet  some  heavenly  power  your  breast  excite, 
Breathe  in  your  lujarts,  and  string  your  arms  to  fight, 
Greece  yet  may  live,  her  threaten'd  fleet  maintain: 
And  Hector's  force,  and  Jove's  own  aid,  bo  vain." 

Then  with  his  sc(!ptro,  that  tlio  deep  controls, 
Ho  touch'd  the  chiefs,  and  stcol'd  their  manly  souls: 
Strength,  not  their  own,  tlio  touch  divine  imparts, 
Prompts   their   light   limbs,    and    swells    their   daring 
hearts. 


308  THE  ILIAD. 

Then,  as  a  falcon  from  the  rocky  height, 
Her  quarry  seen,  impetuous  at  the  sight. 
Forth-springing  instant,  darts  herself  from  high, 
Slioots  on  the  wing,  and  skims  along  the  sky: 
Such,  and  so  swift,  the  power  of  ocean  flew; 
The  wide  horizon  shut  him  from  their  view. 

The  inspiring  god  Oi'leus'  active  son 
Perceived  the  first,  and  thus  to  Telamon : 

"Some  god,  my  friend,  some  god  in  human  form 
Favoring  descends,  and  wills  to  stand  the  storm. 
Not  Calchas  this,  the  venerable  seer; 
Short  as  he  turned,  I  saw  the  power  appear: 
I  mark'd  his  parting,  and  the  steps  he  trod; 
His  own  bright  evidence  reveals  a  god. 
Even  now  some  energy  divine  I  share, 
And  seem  to  walk  on  wings,  and  tread  in  air!" 

"^ith  equal  ardor  (Telamon  returns) 
My  soul  is  kindled,  and  my  bosom  burns; 
New  rising  spirits  all  my  force  alarm, 
Lift  each  impatient  limb,  and  brace  my  arm. 
This  ready  arm,  unthinking,  shakes  the  dart; 
The  blood  pours  back,  and  fortifies  my  heart: 
Singly,  methinks,  yon  towering  chief  I  meet, 
And  stretch  the  dreadful  Hector  at  my  feet." 

Full  of  the  god  that  urged  their  burning  breast, 
The  heroes  thus  their  mutual  warmth  express'd. 
Neptune  meanwhile  the  routed  Greeks  inspired; 
Who,  breathless,  pale,  Avith  length  of  labors  tired, 
Pant  in  the  ships;  while  Troy  to  conquest  calls. 
And  swarms  victorious  o'er  their  yielding  walls: 
Trembling  before  the  impending  storm  they  lie, 
While  tears  of  rage  stand  burning  in  their  eye. 
Greece  sunk  they  thought,  and  this  their  fatal  hour; 
But  breathe  new  courage  as  they  feel  the  power. 
Teucer  and  Leitus  first  his  words  excite; 
Then  stern  Peueleus  rises  to  the  fight; 
Thoas,  Deifpyrus,  in  arms  renown'd, 
And  Merion  next,  the  impulsive  fury  found; 
Last  Nestor's  sou  the  same  bold  ardor  takes, 
While  thus  the  god  the  martial  fire  awakes: 

"Oh  lasting  infamy,  oh  dire  disgrace 
To  chiefs  of  vigorous  youth,  and  manly  race! 
I  trusted  in  the  gods,  and  you,  to  see 
Brave  Greece  victorious,  and  her  navy  free: 
Ah,  no — the  glorious  combat  you  disclaim. 


THE  ILIAD.  309 

And  one  black  day  clouds  all  her  former  fame. 

Heavens!  what  a  prodigy  these  eyes  survey, 

Unseen,  unthought,  till  this  amazing  day! 

Fly  we  at  length  from  Troy's  oft-conquer'd  bands? 

And  falls  our  fleet  by  such  inglorious  hands. 

A  rout  undisciplined,  a  straggling  train, 

Not  born  to  glories  of  the  dusty  plain; 

Like  frighted  fawns  from  hill  to  hill  pursued, 

A  prey  to  every  savage  of  the  wood : 

Shall  these,  so  late  who  trembled  at  your  name, 

Invade  your  camps,  involve  your  ships  in  flame? 

A  change  so  shameful,  say,  what  cause  has  wrought, 

The  soldiers'  baseness,  or  the  general's  fault? 

Fools!  will  ye  perish  for  your  leader's  vice; 

The  purchase  infamy,  and  life  the  price? 

'Tis  not  your  cause,  Achilles'  injured  fame: 

Another's  is  the  crime,  but  yours  the  shame. 

Grant  that  our  chief  offend  through  rage  or  lust, 

Must  you  be  cowards,  if  your  king's  unjust? 

Prevent  this  evil,  and  your  country  save: 

Small  thought  retrieves  the  spirits  of  the  brave. 

Think,  and  subdue!  on  dastards  dead  to  fame 

I  waste  no  anger,  for  they  feel  no  shame: 

But  you,  the  pride,  the  flower  of  all  our  host, 

My  heart  Aveeps  blood  to  see  your  glory  lost! 

Nor  deem  this  day,  this  battle,  all  you  lose; 

A  day  more  black,  a  fate  more  vile,  ensues. 

Let  each  reflect,  who  prizes  fame  or  breath, 

On  endless  infamy,  on  instant  death: 

For,  lo!  the  fated  time,  the  appointed  shore: 

Hark!  the  gates  burst,  the  brazen  barriers  roar! 

Impetuous  Hector  thunders  at  the  wall; 

The  hour,  the  spot,  to  conquer,  or  to  fall." 

These  words  the  Grecians'  fainting  hearts  inspire. 
And  listening  armies  catch  the  godlike  fire. 
Fix'd  at  his  post  was  each  bold  Ajax  found. 
With  well-ranged  squadrons  strongly  circled  round. 
80  close  tiieir  order,  so  disposed  their  fight, 
As  Pallas'  self  might  view  with  fix'd  delight; 
Or  had  the  god  of  war  inclined  his  eyes, 
The  god  of  war  had  own'd  a  just  sur])rise. 
A  chosen  phalanx,  liiiu,  resolved  as  fate, 
Descending  Hector  and  his  l>attl(!  wait. 
An  iron  scene  gleams  dreadful  o'er  the  fields, 
Armor  in  armor  lock'd,  and  shields  in  shields, 


310  THE  ILIAD. 

Spears  lean  on  spears,  on  targets  targets  throng, 

Helms  stnok  to  helms,  and  man  di'ove  man  along. 

The  floating  plumes  unnumber'd  wave  above, 

As  when  an  earthquake  stirs  the  nodding  grove; 

And  levell'd  at  the  skies  with  pointing  rays, 

Their  brandish'd  lances  at  each  motion  blaze. 

Thus  breathing  death,  in  terrible  array, 

The  close  compacted  legions  nrged  their  way: 

Fierce  they  drove  on,  impatient  to  destroy; 

Troy  charged  the  first,  and  Hector  first  of  Troy. 

As  from  some  mountain's  craggy  forehead  torn, 

A  rock's  round  fragment  flies,  with  fury  borne 

(Which  from  the  stubborn  stone  a  torrent  rends), 

Precipitate  the  ponderous  mass  descends: 

From  steep  to  steep  the  rolling  ruin  bounds; 

At  every  shock  the  crackling  wood  resounds; 

Still  gathering  force,  it  smokes;  and  urged  amain, 

Whirls,  leaps,  and  thunders  down,  impetuous   to   the 

plain ; 
There  stops — so  Hector.     Their  whole  force  he  proved,* 
Eesistless  when  he  raged,  and,  when  he  stopped,  un- 
moved. 

On  him  the  war  is  bent,  the  darts  are  shed. 
And  all  their  falchions  wave  around  his  head: 
Repulsed  he  stands,  nor  from  his  stand  retires; 
But  with  repeated  shouts  his  army  fires. 
"Trojans!  be  firm;  this  arm  shall  make  your  Avay 
Through  yon  square  body,  and  that  black  array: 
Stand,  and  my  spear  shall  rout  their  scattering  power, 
Strong  as  they  seem,  embattled  like  a  tower; 
For  he  that  Juno's  heavenly  bosom  warms, 
The  first  of  gods,  this  day  inspires  our  arms." 

He  said;  and  roused  the  soul  in  every  breast: 
Urged  with  desire  of  fame,  beyond  the  rest, 
Forth  march 'd  Deiphobus;  but,  marching,  held 
Before  his  wary  steps  his  ample  shield. 
Bold  Merion  aim'd  a  stroke  (nor  aim'd  it  wide); 

*  Compare  Chapman's  quaint,  bold  verses: 
"  And  as  a  round  piece  of  a  rocke,  which  with  a  winter's  flood 
Is  from  his   top   torn,  when  a  shoure   poured  from  a  bursten 

cloud, 
Hath  broKe  the  naturall  band  it  had  within  the  roughftey  rock, 
Flies  jumping  all  adoune  the  woods,  resounding  everie  shocke. 
And  on,  uncheckt,  it  headlong  leaps  till  in  a  plaine  it  stay, 
And  then  (tho'  never  so  impelled),  it  stirs  not  any  way;  — 
So  Hector.—" 


THE  ILIAD.  311 

The  glittering  jiiveliii  pierced  the  tough  hull-hide; 
But  pierced  not  through:  unfaithful  to  his  hand, 
The  point  broke  short,  and  sparkled  in  the  sand. 
The  Trojan  warrior,  tonch'd  with  timely  fear, 
On  the  raised  orb  to  distance  bore  the  spear. 
The  Greek,  retreating,  inourn'd  his  frustrate  blow, 
And  cursed  the  treacherous  lance  that  spared  a  foe; 
Then  to  the  ships  witli  surly  speed  he  went. 
To  seek  a  surer  javelin  in  his  tent. 

Meauwiiile  with  rising  rage  the  battle  glows, 
The  tumult  thickens,  and  the  clamor  grows. 
By  Teucer's  arm  the  warlike  Imbrius  bleeds. 
The  son  of  Mentor,  rich  in  generous  steeds. 
Ere  yet  to  Troy  the  sons  of  Greece  were  led, 
In  fair  Pedajus'  verdant  pastures  bred. 
The  youth  had  dwelt,  remote  from  war's  alarms, 
And  blest  in  bright  Medesicaste's  arms 
(This  nymph,  the  fruit  of  Priam's  ravish'd  joy, 
Allied  the  warrior  to  the  house  of  Troy): 
To  Troy,  when  glory  call'd  his  arms,  he  came, 
And  match'd  the  bravest  of  her  chiefs  in  fame: 
With  Priam's  sons,  a  guardian  of  the  throne, 
lie  lived,  beloved  and  honor'd  as  his  own. 
II im  Teucer  pierced  between  the  throat  and  ear: 
lie  groans  beneath  the  Telamonian  spear. 
As  from  some  far-seen  mountain's  airy  crown, 
Subdued  by  steel,  a  tall  ash  tumbles  down. 
And  soils  its  verdant  tresses  on  the  ground; 
80  falls  the  youth;  his  arms  the  fall  resound. 
Tlien  Teucer  rushing  to  despoil  the  dead. 
From  Hector's  hand  a  shining  javelin  fled: 
He  saw,  and  shunn'd  the  death;  the  forceful  dart 
Sung  on,  and  pieced  Ainphimachus'  heart, 
Cteatus'  son,  of  Neptune's  forceful  line; 
Vain  was  his  courage,  and  his  race  divine! 
Prostrate  lie  falls;  his  clanging  arms  resound, 
And  his  broad  buckler  thunders  on  the  ground- 
To  seize  his  beamy  helm  the  victor  flics, 
And  just  had  fastened  on  the  dazzling  prize, 
When  Ajax's  manly  arm  a  javelin  flung; 
Full  on  the  shiehi's  round  boss  the  weapon  rung; 
Ho  felt  the  siiock,  nor  more  was  doom'd  to  feel, 
Secure  in  mail,  and  sheath'd  in  shining  steel. 
Repulsed  he  yields;  the  victor  Greciks  obtain 
Tiie  sjioils  contested,  ami  bear  off  the  slain. 


312  THE  ILIAD. 

Between  the  leaders  of  the  Athenian  line 
(Stichius  the  brave,  Menestheus  the  divine), 
Deplored  Amphimachus,  sad  object!  lies; 
Inibrius  remains  the  fierce  Ajaces'  prize. 
As  two  grim  lions  bear  across  the  lawn, 
Snatch'd  from  devouring  hounds,  a  slaughter'd  fawn. 
In  their  fell  jaws  high-lifting  through  the  wood. 
And  sprinkling  all  the  shrubs  with  drops  of  blood; 
So  these,  the  chief:  great  Ajax  from  the  dead 
Strips  his  bright  arms;  Oileus  lops  his  head: 
Toss'd  like  a  ball,  and  whirl'd  in  air  away, 
At  Hector's  feet  the  gory  visage  lay. 

The  god  of  ocean,  fired  with  stern  disdain, 
And  pierced  with  sorrow  for  his  grandson  slain, 
Inspires  the  Grecian  hearts,  confirms  their  hands. 
And  breathes  destruction  on  the  Trojan  bands. 
Swift  as  a  whirlwind  rushing  to  the  fleet, 
He  finds  the  lance-famed  Idomen  of  Crete, 
His  pensive  brow  the  generous  care  express'd 
With  which  a  wounded  soldier  touch'd  his  breast, 
Whom  in  the  chance  of  war  a  javelin  tore. 
And  his  sad  comrades  from  the  battle  bore; 
Him  to  the  surgeons  of  the  camp  he  sent; 
That  ofTice  paid,  he  issued  from  his  tent 
Fierce  for  the  fight:  to  whom  the  god  begun. 
In  Thoiis'  voice,  Andrsemon's  valiant  son. 
Who  ruled  where  Calydon's  white  rocks  arise, 
And  Pleuron's  chalky  cliffs  emblaze  the  skies: 

"Where's  now  the  imperious  vaunt,  the  daring  boast 
Of  Greece  victorious,  and  proud  Ilion  lost?" 
To  whom  the  king:  '"On  Greece  no  blame  be  thrown: 
Arms  are  her  trade,  and  war  is  all  her  own. 
Her  hardy  heroes  from  the  well-fought  plains 
Nor  fear  withholds,  nor  shameful  sloth  detains: 
'Tis  heaven,  alas!  and  Jove's  all-powerful  doom, 
That  far,  far  distant  from  our  native  home 
Wills  us  to  fall  inglorious!     Oh,  my  friend! 
Once  foremost  in  the  fight,  still  prone  to  lend 
Or  arms  or  counsels,  now  perform  thy  best. 
And  what  thou  canst  not  singly,  urge  the  rest." 

Thus  he:  and  thus  the  god  whose  force  can  make 
The  solid  globe's  eternal  basis  shake: 
"Ah!  never  may  he  see  his  native  land. 
But  feed  the  vultures  on  this  hateful  strand, 
Who  seeks  ignobly  in  his  ships  to  stay, 


THE  ILIAD.  313 

Nor  dares  to  combat  on  this  signal  day! 
For  this,  behold !  iu  horrid  arms  I  shine, 
And  urge  thy  soul  to  rival  acts  with  mine. 
Together  let  us  battle  on  the  plain; 
Two,  not  the  worst;  nor  even  this  succor  vain: 
Not  vain  the  weakest,  if  their  force  unite; 
But  ours,  the  bravest  have  confess'd  in  fight." 

This  said,  he  rushes  where  the  combat  burns: 
Swift  to  his  tent  the  Cretan  king  returns: 
From  thence,  two  javelins  glittering  in  his  hand, 
And  clad  in  arms  that  lighten'd  all  the  strand, 
Fierce  on  the  foe  the  impetuous  hero  drove, 
Like  lightning  bursting  from  the  arm  of  Jove, 
Which  to  pale  man  the  wrath  of  heaven  declares. 
Or  terrifies  the  offending  world  with  w^ars; 
In  streamy  sparkles,  kindling  all  the  skies, 
From  pole  to  pole  the  trail  of  glory  flies: 
Thus  his  bright  armor  o'er  the  dazzled  throng 
Gleam'd  dreadful,  as  the  monarch  flash'd  along. 

Him,  near  his  tent,  j\Ieriones  attends; 
Whom  thus  he  questions:  "Ever  best  of  friends! 
0  say,  in  every  art  of  battle  skill'd, 
AVhat  holds  tliy  courage  from  so  brave  a  field? 
On  some  important  message  art  thou  bound. 
Or  bleeds  my  friend  by  some  unhappy  wound? 
Inglorious  here,  my  soul  abhors  to  stay. 
And  glows  with  prospects  of  th'  approaching  day." 

"0  prince!  (Meriones  replies)  whose  care 
Leads  forth  the  embattled  sons  of  Crete  to  war; 
This  speaks  my  grief:  this  headless  lance  I  wield; 
The  rest  lies  rooted  in  a  Trojan  shield." 

To  whom  the  Cretan:  "Enter,  and  receive 
The  wonted  weapons;  those  my  tent  can  give; 
iSpears  I  have  store  (and  I'rojan  lances  all), 
That  shed  a  lustre  round  the  illumined  wall, 
Though  I.  disdainful  of  tlio  distant  war, 
Nor  trust  the  dart,  nor  aim  the  uncertain  spear, 
Yet  hand  to  hand  I  fight,  and  spoil  the  slain; 
And  thence  these  trophies,  and  these  arms  1  gain. 
Enter,  and  see  on  heaps  the  helnntts  roll'd, 
And    lugh-hiing   sjiears,    and   shields  that   llamo  with 
gold." 

"Nor  vain  (said  Mcrion)  are  our  martial  toils; 
We  too  can  boast  of  no  ignoble!  spoils: 
But  those  my  ship  contiiins;  whence  distant  far, 


314  THE  ILIAD. 

I  fight  consj)icnons  in  tlie  van  of  war, 
What  need  I  more?     If  any  Greek  there  be 
Who  knows  not  Merion,  I  appeal  to  thee." 

To  this,  Idomenens:  "Tlie  lields  of  fight 
Have  proved  thy  valor,  and  nnconquer'd  might: 
And  were  some  ambnsh  for  the  foes  design'd. 
Even  there  thy  conrage  would  not  lag  behind: 
In  that  sharp  service,  singled  from  the  rest, 
The  fear  of  each,  or  valor,  stands  confess'd. 
No  force,  no  firmness,  the  pale  coward  shows; 
He  shifts  his  place:  his  color  comes  and  goes: 
A  dropping  sweat  creeps  cold  on  every  part; 
Against  his  bosom  beats  his  qnivering  heart;       ' 
Terror  and  death  in  his  wild  eyeballs  stare: 
With  chattering  teeth  he  stands,  and  stiffening  hair, 
And  looks  a  bloodless  image  of  despair! 
Not  so  the  brave — still  danntless,  still  the  same, 
Unchanged  his  color,  and  unmoved  his  frame: 
Composed  his  thought,  determined  is  his  eye. 
And  fix'd  his  soul,  to  conquer  or  to  die: 
If  aught  disturb  the  tenor  of  his  breast, 
'Tis  but  the  wish  to  strike  before  the  rest. 

"In  such  essays  thy  blameless  worth  is  known, 
And  every  art  of  dangerous  war  thy  own. 
By  chance  of  fight  whatever  wounds  you  bore, 
Those  wounds  were  glorious  all,  and  all  before; 
Such  as  may  teach,  'twas  still  thy  brave  delight 
T'  oppose  thy  bosom  where  thy  foremost  fight. 
But  why,  like  infants,  cold  to  honor's  charms. 
Stand  we  to  talk,  when  glory  calls  to  arms? 
Go — from  my  conquer'd  spears  the  choicest  take, 
And  to  their  owners  send  them  nobly  back." 

Swift  at  the  word  bold  Merion  snatch 'd  a  spear, 
And,  breathing  slaughter,  follow'd  to  the  war. 
So  Mars  armipotent  invades  the  plain 
(The  wide  destroyer  of  the  race  of  man). 
Terror,  his  best-beloved  son,  attends  his  course, 
Arm'd  with  stern  boldness,  and  enormous  force; 
The  pride  of  haughty  warriors  to  confound. 
And  lay  the  strength  of  tyrants  on  the  ground: 
From  Thrace  they  fly,  call'd  to  the  dire  alarms 
Of  warring  Phlegyans,  and  Ephyrian  arms; 
Invoked  by  both,  relentless  they  dispose. 
To  these  glad  conquest,  murderous  rout  to  those. 
So  march'd  the  leaders  of  the  Cretan  train, 


THE  ILIAD.  315 

And  their  bright  arms  shot  horror  o'er  the  plain. 

Then  first  spake  Merion :  "Shall  we  join  the  right, 
Or  combat  in  the  centre  of  the  fight? 
Or  to  the  left  our  wonted  succor  lend? 
Hazard  and  fame  all  parts  alike  attend." 

"Not  in  the  centre  (Idomen  replied): 
Our  ablest  chieftains  the  main  battle  guide; 
Each  godlike  Ajax  makes  that  post  his  care, 
And  gallant  Teucev  deals  destruction  there, 
Skill'd  or  with  shafts  to  gall  the  distant  field, 
Or  bear  close  battle  on  the  sonnding  shield. 
These  can  the  rage  of  haughty  Hector  tame: 
Safe  in  their  arms,  the  navy  fears  no  flame. 
Till  Jove  himself  descends,  his  bolts  to  shed, 
And  hurl  the  blazing  ruin  at  our  head. 
Great  must  he  be,  of  more  than  human  birth, 
Nor  feed  like  mortals  on  the  fruits  of  earth. 
Him  neither  rocks  can  crush,  nor  steel  can  wound, 
Whom  x\jax  fells  not  on  the  ensanguined  ground. 
In  standing  figlit  he  mates  Achilles'  force, 
Excell'd  alone  in  swiftness  in  the  course. 
Then  to  the  left  our  ready  arms  apply, 
And  live  with  glory,  or  with  glory  die." 

He  sai<l :  and  >[erion  to  th'  appointed  place 
Fierce  as  the  god  of  battles,  urged  his  pace. 
Soon  as  the  foe  the  shining  cliiefs  beheld 
Rush  like  a  fiery  torrent  o'er  the  field, 
Tlitjir  force  embodied  in  a  tide  they  pour; 
Tlio  rising  combat  sounds  along  the  shore. 
As  warring  winds,  in  Sirius'  sultry  reign, 
From  dilTcrcnt  (piartcrs  swc(!p  the  sandy  ])lain 
On  every  side  the  dusty  whirlwinds  rise. 
And  the  dry  fields  are  lifted  to  the  skies: 
'i'hus  by  despair,  hoj)o,  rage,  togetiier  driven, 
Meet  the  black  hosts,  an<r,  m(!eting,  darken'd  heaven. 
All  dreadful  glared  tlio  iron  face  of  war, 
liristled  with  upright  spears,  that  flash'd  afar; 
I)ir(!  was  the  gleam  of  breast[ilat<'s,  liclnis,  and  shields, 
And  polish'd  arms  emblazed  the  flaming  fields; 
'I'remendoiis  scone!  tiiat  general  horror  gave, 
Jiiit  touch'd  witii  joy  the  Ijosoms  of  the  Ijravo. 

Saturn's  great  sons  in  fierce  contention  vied, 
And  crowds  of  Injroes  in  their  anger  died. 
The  aire  of  earth  and  heaven,  by  Thetis  won 
To  crowa  with  glory  I'elens'  godlike  son, 


316  TBE  ILIAD. 

Will'd  not  destruction  to  the  Grecian  powers, 

But  spared  awhile  the  destined  Trojan  towers; 

While  Neptune,  rising  from  his  azure  main, 

Warr'd  on  the  king  of  heaven  with  stern  disdain, 

And  breathed  revenge,  and  fired  the  Grecian  train. 

Gods  of  one  source,  of  one  ethereal  race. 

Alike  divine,  and  heaven  their  native  place; 

But  Jove  the  greater;  first-born  of  the  skies, 

And  more  thaii  men,  or  gods,  supremely  wise. 

For  this,  of  Jove's  superior  might  afraid, 

Neptune  in  human  form  conceal'd  his  aid. 

These  powers  enfold  the  Greek  and  Trojan  train 

In  war  and  discord's  adamantine  chain, 

Indissolubly  strong:  the  fatal  tie 

Is  stretch 'd  on  both,  and  close  compell'd  they  die; 

Dreadful  in  arms,  and  grown  in  combats  gray, 

The  bold  Idomeneus  controls  the  day. 

First  by  his  hand  Othryoneus  was  slain, 

Swell'd  with  false  hopes,  with  mad  ambition  vain; 

Call'd  by  the  voice  of  war  to  martial  fame,  - 

From  high  Cabesus'  distant  walls  he  came;  '% 

Cassandra's  love  he  sought,  with  boasts  of  power, 

And  promised  conquest  was  the  profler'd  dower. 

The  king  consented,  by  his  vaunts  abused; 

The  king  consented,  but  the  fates  refused. 

Proud  of  himself,  and  of  the  imagined  bride,  | 

The  field  he  measured  with  a  larger  stride.  - 

Him  as  he  stalk'd,  the  Cretan  javelin  found; 

Vain  was  his  breastplate  to  repel  the  wound: 

His  dream  of  glory  lost,  he  plunged  to  hell; 

His  arms  resounded  as  the  boaster  fell. 

The  great  Idomeneus  bestrides  the  dead; 

"And  thus  (he  cries)  behold  thy  promise  sped! 

Such  is  the  help  thy  arms  to  Ilion  bring. 

And  such  the  contract  of  the  Phrygian  king! 

Our  offers  now,  illustrious  prince!  receive; 

For  such  an  aid  what  will  not  Argos  give? 

To  conquer  Troy,  with  ours  thy  forces  join, 

And  count  Atrides'  fairest  daughter  thine. 

Meantime,  on  further  methods  to  advise, 

Come,  follow  to  the  fleet  thy  new  allies; 

There  hear  what  Greece  has  on  her  part  to  say." 

He  spoke,  and  dragg'd  the  gory  corse  away. 

This  Asius  view'd,  unable  to  contain, 

Before  his  chariot  warring  on  the  plain; 


THE  ILIAD.  317 

(His  crowded  coursers,  to  his  squire  consign'd, 

Impatient  panted  on  his  neck  behind :)_ 

To  vengeance  rising  with  a  sudden  spring. 

He  hoped  the  conquest  of  the  Cretan  king. 

The  wary  Cretan,  as  his  foe  drew  near. 

Full  on  his  throat  discharged  the  forceful  spear: 

Beneath  the  chin  the  point  was  seen  to  glide, 

And  glicter'd,  extant  at  the  further  side. 

As  when  the  mountain-oak,  or  poplar  tall, 

Or  pine,  fit  mast  for  some  great  admiral, 

Groans  to  the  oft-heaved  axe,  Avith  many  a  wound, 

Then  spreads  a  length  of  ruin  o'er  the  ground: 

So  sunk  proud  Asius  in  that  dreadful  day, 

And  stretch'd  before  his  much-loved  coursers  lay. 

He  grinds  the  dust  dislain'd  with  streaming  gore, 

And,  fierce  in  death,  lies  foaming  on  the  shore. 

Deprived  of  motion,  stiff  with  stupid  fear, 

Stands  all  agliast  his  trembling  charioteer. 

Nor  shuns  the  foe,  nor  turns  the  steeds  away, 

But  falls  transfix'd,  an  unresisting  prey: 

Pierced  by  Antilochus,  he  pants  beneath 

The  stately  car,  and  labors  out  his  breath. 

Thus  Asius'  steeds  (their  mighty  master  gone) 

Tlemain  the  prize  of  Nestor's  youthful  son. 

Stabb'd  at  the  sight,  Dei'phobus  drew  nigh, 
And  made,  with  force,  the  vengeful  weapon  fly. 
The  Cretan  saw;  and,  stooping,  caused  to  glance 
From  his  slope  sliield  the  disappointed  lance. 
Beneath  the  spacious  targe  (a  l)lazing  round). 
Thick  with  bull-hides  ami  brazen  orbits  bound, 
On  his  raised  arm  by  two  strong  braces  stay'd 
He  lay  coilectcid  in  defensive  shade. 
O'er  his  safe  head  the  javelin  idly  sung. 
And  on  the  tinkling  verge  moi-e  faintly  rung. 
Kvcn  tiien  the  spnar  tlie  vigorous  arm  confess'd. 
And  pierced,  oldiquely,  king  Hyj)senor's  breast: 
Wann'd  in  his  liver,  to  the  grouiul  it  bore 
The  chi(!f,  his  peoj)lo's  guardian  now  no  more! 

"Not  umittend(!d  (the  [)roud  Trojan  cries) 
Nor  unrovenge<l,  lamented  Asius  lies: 
For  tliee,  through  boll's  l)Iack  portals  staTid  display'd, 
This  mate  idiall  joy  thy  melancholy  .sbad(f." 

Heart-piercing  anguish,  at  the  haughty  boast, 
Touch'd  every  Greek,  but  Nestor's  son  the  most. 
Grieved  as  ho  was,  his  pious  arms  attend. 


318  THE  ILIAD. 

And  his  broad  buckler  shields  his  shinghter'd  friend, 
Till  sad  Mecistheus  and  Alastor  bore 
His  lionor'd  body  to  the  tented  shore. 

Nor  yet  from  fight  Idomeneiis  withdraws; 
Resolved  to  perish  in  his  country's  cause, 
Or  tind  some  foe,  whom  heaven  and  he  shall  doom 
To  wail  his  fate  in  death's  eternal  gloom. 
He  sees  Alcathous  in  the  front  aspire: 
Great  ^syetes  was  the  hero's  sire; 
His  spouse  Hippodame,  divinely  fair, 
Anchises'  eldest  hope,  and  darling  care. 
Who  charm'd  her  parents'  and  her  husband's  heart 
With  beauty,  sense,  and  every  work  of  art; 
He  once  of  Ilion's  youth  the  loveliest  boy, 
The  fairest  she  of  all  the  fair  of  Troy. 
By  Neptune  now  the  hapless  hero  dies, 
Who  covers  with  a  cloud  those  beauteous  eyes, 
And  fetters  every  limb;  yet  bent  to  meet 
His  fate  he  stands;  nor  shuns  the  lance  of  Crete. 
Fix'd  as  some  colunni,  or  deep-rooted  oak, 
AVhile  the  winds  sleep;  his  breast  received  the  stroke; 
Before  the  ponderous  stroke  his  corslet  yields. 
Long  used  to  ward  the  death  in  fighting  fields. 
The  riven  armor  sends  a  jarring  sound; 
His  laboring  heart  heaves  with  so  strong  a  bound, 
The  long  lance  shakes,  and  vibrates  in  the  wound; 
Fast  flowing  from  its  source,  as  prone  he  lay, 
Life's  purple  tide  impetuous  gush'd  away. 

Then  Idomen,  insulting  o'er  the  slain: 
"Behold,  Deiphobus!  nor  vaunt  in  vain: 
See!  on  one  Greek  three  Trojan  ghosts  attend; 
This,  my  third  victim,  to  the  shades  I  send. 
Approaching  new  thy  boasted  might  approve, 
And  try  the  prowess  of  the  seed  of  Jove. 
From  Jove,  enamour'd  of  a  mortal  dame, 
Great  Minos,  guardian  of  his  country,  came: 
Deucalion,  blameless  prince,  was  Minos'  heir; 
His  first-born  I,  the  third  from  Jupiter: 
O'er  spacious  Crete,  and  her  bold  sons,  I  reign. 
And  thence  my  ships  transport  me  through  the  main. 
Lord  of  a  host,  o'er  all  my  host  I  shine, 
A  scourge  to  thee,  thy  father,  and  thy  line." 

The  Trojan  heard;  uncertain  or  to  meet, 
Alone,  with  venturous  arms  the  king  of  Crete, 
Or  seek  auxiliar  force;  at  length  decreed 


THE  ILIAD.  319 

To  call  some  hero  to  partake  the  deed, 
Forthwith  JEneas  rises  to  his  thought: 
For  him  in  Troy's  remotest  Hues  he  sought. 
Where  he,  incensed  at  partial  Priam,  stands, 
And  sees'superior  posts  in  meaner  hands. 
To  him,  ambitious  of  so  great  an  aid, 
The  bold  Deiphobus  approach'd,  and  said: 

"Now,  Trojan  prince,  emplo}'  thy  pious  arms. 
If  e'er  thy  bosom  felt  fair  honor's  charms. 
Alcathous  dies,  thy  brother  and  tliy  friend; 
Come,  and  the  warrior's  loved  remains  defend. 
Beneath  his  cares  thy  early  yonth  was  train'd, 
One  table  fed  you,  and  one  roof  contain'd. 
This  deed  to  fierce  Idomeneus  we  owe; 
Haste,  and  revenge  it  on  th'  insulting  foe." 

^neas  heard,  and  for  a  space  resign'd 
To  tender  pity  all  his  manly  mind; 
Then  rising  in  his  rage,  he  burns  to  fight; 
The  (xreek  awaits  him  with  collected  might. 
As  the  fell  boar,  on  some  rough  mountain's  head, 
Arm'd  with  wild  terrors,  and  to  slaughter  bred, 
When  the  loud  rustics  rise,  and  shout  from  far, 
Attends  the  tumult,  and  expects  the  war; 
O'er  his  bent  back  the  Ijristly  horrors  rise; 
Fires  stream  in  liglitning  from  his  sanguine  eyes. 
His  foaming  tusks  both  dogs  an<l  men  engage; 
But  most  his  hunters  rouse  his  mightv  rage: 
So  stood  Idomeneus,  his  javelin  shook, 
And  met  the  Trojan  with  a  lowering  look. 
Antilochus,  Deipyrus,  were  near, 
Tlie  youthful  olfspring  of  the  god  of  war, 
Merion,  and  Apiiareus,  in  field  renown'd: 
To  those  the  warrior  sent  his  voice  around. 
"Fellows  in  armsl  your  timely  aid  unite; 
Lo,  great  ^^Eneas  rushes  to  the  fight: 
Sprung  from  a  god,  and  more  than  mortal  l)old; 
JIo  fresh  in  youth,  and  I  in  arms  grown  old. 
Else  should  this  hand,  this  hour  (locido  the  strife. 
The  great  dispute,  of  glory,  or  of  life." 

Ho  spoke,  and  all,  as  with  one  soul,  obey'd; 
Their  lifted  bucklers  oast  a  dreailful  shade 
Around  the  chief.     /Eneas  too  demands 
Th'  assisting  forces  of  his  native  bands; 
Paris,  Deiphobus,  Agenor,  join 
(Co-aids  and  captains  of  the  Trojan  line); 


320  THE  ILIAD. 

In  order  follow  all  th'  embodied  train, 

Like  Ida's  flocks  proceeding  o'er  the  plain;  ; 

Before  his  fleecy  care,  erect  and  bold,  ; 

Stalks  the  proud  ram,  the  father  of  the  bold:.  | 

With  joy  the  swain  survey  them,  as  he  leads  \ 

To  the  cool  fountains,  through  the  well-known  meads:  ' 

So  joys  iBneas,  as  his  native  band 

Moves  on  in  rank,  and  stretches  o'er  the  land. 

Bound  dread  Alcathous  now  the  battle  rose;  ', 

On  every  side  the  steely  circle  grows;  ] 

Now  batter'd  breastplates  and  hack'd  helmets  ring,' 
And  o'er  their  heads  unheeded  javelins  sinof.  ',' 

Above  the  rest,  two  towering  chiefs  appear,  [ 

There  great  Idomeneus,  iEneas  here. 

Like  gods  of  war,  dispensing  fate,  they  stood,  i 

And  burn'd  to  drench  the  ground  with  mutual  blood.  ' 

The  Trojan  weapon  whizz'd  along  the  air;  -^ 

The  Cretan  saw,  and  shunn'd  the  brazen  spear; 
Sent  from  an  arm  so  strong,  the  missive  wood 
Stuck  deep  in  earth,  and  quiver'd  where  it  stood. 
But  CEnomas  received  the  Cretan's  stroke: 
The  forceful  spear  his  hollow  corslet  broke. 
It  ripp'd  his  belly  with  a  ghastly  wound. 
And  roU'd  the  smoking  entrails  on  the  gronnd. 
Stretch'd  on  the  plain,  lie  sobs  away  his  breath, 
And,  furious,  grasps  the  bloody  dust  in  death. 
The  victor  from  his  breast  the  weapon  tears; 
His  spoils  he  could  not,  for  the  shower  of  spears. 
Though  now  unfit  an  active  war  to  wage. 
Heavy  with  cumbrous  arms,  stiff  with  cold  age, 
His  listless  limbs  unable  for  the  course, 
In  standing  fight  he  yet  maintains  his  force; 
Till  faint  with  labor,  and  by  foes  repell'd. 
His  tired  slow  steps  he  drags  from  off  the  field; 
Deiphobus  beheld  him  as  he  pass'd. 
And,  fired  with  hate,  a  parting  javelin  cast: 
The  javelin  err'd,  but  held  its  course  along. 
And  pierced  Ascalaphus,  the  brave  and  young: 
The  son  of  Mars  fell  gasping  on  the  gronnd. 
And  gnash'd  the  dust,  ail  bloody  with  his  wonnd. 

Nor  knew  the  furious  father  of  his  fall; 
High-throned  amidst  the  great  Olympian  hall 
On  golden  clouds  th'  immortal  synod  sate; 
Detain'd  from  bloody  war  by  Jove  and  Fate. 

Now,  where  in  dust  the  breathless  hero  lay 


I 


THE  ILIAD.  321 

For  slain  Ascalaphus  comroenced  the  fray, 
Deiphobus  to  seize  his  helmet  flies, 
Aud  from  his  temple  rends  the  glittering  prize; 
Valiant  as  Mars,  Meriones  drew  near. 
And  on  his  loaded  arm  discharged  his  spear; 
He  drops  the  weight,  disabled  with  the  pain; 
The  hollow  helmet  rings  against  the  plain. 
Swift  as  a  vulture  leaping  on  his  prey. 
From  his  torn  arm  the  Grecian  rent  away 
The  reeking  javelin,  and  rejoin'd  his  friends 
His  wounded  brother  good  Polites  tends; 
Around  his  waist  his  pious  arms  he  threw, 
And  from  the  rage  of  battle  gently  drew: 
Him  his  swift  coursers,  on  his  splendid  car, 
Kapt  from  the  lessening  thunder  of  the  war; 
To  Troy  they  drove  him,  groaning  from  the  shore, 
And  sprinkling,  as  he  pass'd,  the  sands  with  gore. 
Meanwhile    fresh    slaughter    bathes    the    sanguine 
ground. 
Heaps  fall  on  heaps,  and  heaven  and  earth  resound. 
Bold  Aphareus  by  great  yEneas  bled; 
As  toward  the  chief  he  turn'd  liis  daring  head. 
He  pierced  his  throat;  the  bending  head,  depress'd 
Beneath  his  helmet,  nods  upon  his  breast; 
His  shield  reversed  o'er  the  fallen  warrior  lies, 
And  everlasting  slumber  seals  his  eyes. 
Antilochus,  as  Thoon  turn'd  him  round, 
Transpierced  liis  back  with  a  dishonest  wound: 
The  hollow  vein,  that  to  the  neck  extends 
Along  the  chine,  his  eager  javelin  rends: 
Supine  he  falls,  and  to  his  social  train 
Spreads  his  imploring  arms,  but  spreads  in  vain. 
'I  h'  exulting  victor,  leaping  where  he  lay. 
From  his  broad  shoulders  tore  the  spoils  away; 
His  time  observed:  for  closed  by  foes  arouiul, 
ih\  all  sides  thick  the  peals  of  arms  resound. 
His  shield  emboss'd  the  ringing  storm  sustains, 
Hut  he  impervious  ami  untouch'd  rcniains. 
((rreat  Neptune's  care  preserved  from  hostile  rage 
'IMiis  youth,  the  joy  of  Nestor's  glorious  i'ge.) 
In  arms  intrepid,  with  the  first  he  fought, 
Faced  every  foe,  and  every  danger  souglit; 
His  wingcfl  lance,  resistless  as  the  wind, 
Obeys  each  motion  of  ti)e  master's  mind! 
Kestless  it  flies,  impatient  to  be  free, 


322  THE  ILIAD. 

And  meditates  the  distant  enemy. 

The  son  of  Asius,  Adamas,  drew  near, 

And  struck  his  target  with  the  brazen  spear 

Fierce  in  his  front:  but  Neptune  wards  the  blow, 

And  blunts  the  javelin  of  th'  eluded  foe: 

In  the  broad  buckler  half  the  weapon  stood, 

Splinter'd  on  earth  flew  half  the  broken  wood. 

Disarm'd,  he  mingled  in  the  Trojan  crew; 

But  Meriou's  spear  o'ertook  him  as  he  flew, 

Deep  in  the  belly's  rim  an  entrance  found, 

Where  sharp  the  pang,  and  mortal  is  the  wound. 

Bending  he  fell,  and  doubled  to  tlie  ground 

Lay  panting.     Thus  an  ox  in  fetters  tied, 

AVhile  death's  strong  pangs  distend  his  laboring  side. 

His  bulk  enormous  on  the  field  displays; 

His  heaving  heart  beats  thick  as  ebbing  life  decays. 

The  spear  the  conqueror  from  his  body  drew, 

And  (featli's  dim  shadows  swarm  before  his  view. 

Next  brave  Dei'pyrus  in  dust  was  laid; 

King  Helenus  waved  high  the  Thracian  blade. 

And  smote  his  temples  with  an  arm  so  strong. 

The  helm  fell  ofE,  and  roll'd  amid  the  throng: 

There  for  some  luckier  Greek  it  rests  a  prize; 

For  dark  in  death  the  godlike  owner  lies! 

Eaging  with  grief,  great  Menelaiis  bums, 

And  fraught  with  vengeance,  to  the  victor  turns: 

That  shook  the  ponderous  lance,  in  act  to  throw; 

And  this  stood  adverse  with  the  bended  bow. 

Full  on  his  breast  the  Trojan  arrow  fell. 

But  harmless  bounded  from  the  plated  steel. 

As  on  some  ample  barn's  well-hardened  floor, 

(The  winds  collected  at  each  open  door). 

While  the  broad  fan  with  force  is  whirl'd  around, 

Light   leaps   the    golden    grain,    resulting    from    the 

ground : 
So  from  the  steel  that  guards  Atrides'  heart, 
.Repell'd  to  distance  flies  the  bounding  dart. 
Atrides,  watchful  of  the  unwary  foe. 
Pierced  with  his  lance  the  hand  that  grasp'd  the  bow, 
And  nailed  it  to  the  yew;  the  wounded  hand 
Trail'd  the  long  lance  that  mark'd  with  blood  the  sand  : 
But  good  Agenor  gently  from  the  wound 
The  spear  solicits,  and  the  bandage  bound; 
A  sling's  soft  wool,  snatch'd  frcm  a  soldier's  side, 
At  once  the  tent  and  ligature  supplied. 


THE  ILIAD.  323 

Behold!  Pisander,  urged  by  fate's  decree, 
Springs  through  the  ranks  to  fall,  and  fall  by  thee, 
Great  Menelailsl  to  enhance  thy  fame: 
High-towering  in  the  front  the  warrior  came. 
First  the  sharp  lance  was  by  Atrides  thrown; 
The  lance  far  distant  by  the  winds  was  blown. 
Nor  pierced  Pisander  through  Atrides'  shield: 
Pisauder's  spear  fell  shiver'd  on  the  field. 
Not  so  discouraged,  to  the  future  blind. 
Vain  dreams  of  conquest  swell  his  haughty  mind; 
Dauntless  ho  rushes  where  the  Spartan  lord 
Like  lightning  brandish'd  his  far  beaming  sword. 
His  left  arm  high  opposed  the  shining  shield: 
His  right  beneath,  the  cover'd  pole-axe  held 
(All  olive's  cloudy  grain  the  handle  made. 
Distinct  with  studs,  and  brazen  was  the  blade); 
This  on  the  helm  discharged  a  noble  blow: 
The  plume  dropp'd,  nodding  to  the  plain  below, 
Shorn  from  the  crest.     Atrides  waved  his  steel; 
Deep  through  his  front  the  weighty  falchion  fell: 
The  crashing  bones  before  its  force  gave  way; 
In  dust  and  blood  the  groaning  hero  lay; 
Forced  from  their  ghastly  orbs,  and  spouting  gore, 
The  clotted  eyeballs  tumble  on  the  shore. 
And  fierce  Atrides  spurnM  him  as  he  bled, 
Tore  off  his  arms,  and  loud-exulting  said: 

"Thus,  Trojans,  thus,  at  length  be  taught  to  fear; 
0  race  perfidious,  who  delight  in  war! 
Already  noble  deeds  ye  have  perform'd; 
A  princess  raped  transcends  a  navy  storm'd; 
In  such  bold  feats  your  impious  might  approve. 
Without  th'  assistance,  or  the  fear  of  Jove. 
The  violated  rites,  the  ravish'd  dame; 
Our  heroes  shiughter'd,  and  our  ships  on  flame. 
Crimes  he.ipM  on  crimes,  sliall  bend  your  glory  down, 
And  whelm  in  ruins  yon  flagitious  town. 
0  thou,  great  father!  lord  of  earth  ami  skies, 
Above  tiio  thought  of  man,  supremely  wise! 
If  from  thy  hand  the  fates  of  mortals  flow, 
From  whence  this  favor  to  an  impious  foe? 
A  godless  crow,  abandon'd  and  unjust, 
Still  broatliing  rapine,  viulcuoo,  and  lust? 
The  best  of  things,  beyond  their  measure,  cloy; 
Sleep's  balmy  blessing,  love's  endearing  joy;_ 
The  feast,  the  dance;  whate'er  m;inkind  desire, 


324  THE  ILIAD. 

Even  the  sweet  charms  of  sacred  nnmbers  tire, 

But  Troy  for  ever  reaps  a  dire  delight 

In  thirst  of  slaughter,  and  in  lust  of  fight." 

This  said,  he  seized  (while  yet  the  carcass  heaved) 
The  bloody  armor,  which  his  train  received : 
Then  sudden  mix'd  among  the  warring  creWj 
And  the  bold  son  of  Pylaemenes  slew. 
Harpalion  had  through  Asia  travell'd  far, 
Following  his  martial  father  to  the  war: 
Through  filial  love  he  left  his  native  shore, 
Never,  ah,  never  to  behold  it  more! 
His  unsuccessful  spear  he  chanced  to  fling 
Against  the  target  of  the  Spartan  king; 
Thus  of  his  lance  disarm'd,  from  death  he  flies. 
And  turns  around  his  apprehensive  eyes. 
Him,  through  the  hip,  transpiercing  as  he  fled, 
The  shaft  of  Merion  mingled  with  the  dead. 
Beneath  the  bone  the  glancing  point  descends, 
And,  driving  down,  the  swelling  bladder  rends: 
Sunk  in  his  sad  companions'  arms  he  lay. 
And  in  short  pan  tings  sobb'd  his  soul  away 
(Like  some  vile  worm  extended  on  the  ground); 
While  life's  red  torrent  gush'd  from  out  the  wound. 

Him  on  his  car  the  Papiilagonian  train 
In  slow  procession  bore  from  off  the  plain. 
The  pensive  father,  father  now  no  more! 
Attends  the  mournful  pomp  along  the  shore; 
And  unavailing  tears  profusely  shed; 
And,  unrevenged,  deplored  his  offspring  dead. 

Paris  from  far  the  moving  sight  beheld. 
With  pity  soften'd,  and  with  fury  swell'd : 
His  honorM  host,  a  youth  of  matchless  grace, 
And  loved  of  all  the  Paphlagonian  race! 
With  his  full  strength  he  bent  his  angry  bow, 
And  wing'd  the  feather'd  vengeance  at  the  foe. 
A  chief  there  was,  the  brave  Enchenor  named. 
For  riches  much,  and  more  for  virtue  famed. 
Who  held  his  seat  in  Corinth's  stately  town; 
Polydus'  son,  a  seer  of  old  renown. 
Oft  had  the  father  told  his  early  doom. 
By  arms  abroad,  or  slow  disease  at  home: 
He  ciimb'd  his  vessel,  prodigal  of  breath, 
And  chose  the  certain  glorious  patli  to  death. 
Beneath  his  ear  the  pointed  arrow  went; 
The  soul  came  issuing  at  the  narrow  vent: 


THE  ILIAD.  325 

His  limbs,  unnerved,  drop  useless  ou  the  ground, 
And  everlasting  darkness  shades  him  round. 

Xor  knew  great  Hector  how  his  legions  yield 
(Wrapp'd  in  the  cloud  and  tumult  of  the  field): 
Wide  on  the  left  the  force  of  Greece  commands, 
And  conquest  hovers  o'er  the  Achaian  bands; 
"With  such  a  tide  superior  virtue  sway'd. 
And  he  that  shakes  the  solid  earth  gave  aid. 
But  in  the  center  Hector  fix'd  remain'd, 
Where  first  the  gates  were  forced,  and  bulwarks  gain'd; 
There,  on  the  margin  of  the  hoary  deep 
(Their  naval  station  where  the  Ajaces  keep. 
And  where  low  walls  confine  the  beating  tides. 
Whose  humble  barrier  scarce  the  foe  divides; 
Where  late  in  fight  both  foot  and  horse  engaged, 
And  all  the  thunder  of  the  battle  raged), 
There  join'd,  the  whole  Bcpotian  strength  remains, 
The  proud  laonians  with  their  sweeping  trains, 
Locrians,  and  Phthians,  and  th'  Epa^an  force; 
But  join'd,  repel  not  Hector's  fiery  course. 
The  flower  of  Athens,  Stichius,  Phidas,  led: 
Bias  and  great  Menestheus  at  their  head: 
Meges  the  strong  the  Epagan  bands  controll'd, 
AT)d  Dracius  pru<lent,  and  Amphion  bold: 
The  Phthians,  Medon,  famed  for  martial  might. 
And  brave  Podarces,  active  in  the  fight. 
This  drew  from  Phylacus  his  noble  lino; 
Ipliiclus'  son;  and  that  (Oi'leus  thine: 
(Voung  Ajax's  brother,  by  a  stolen  embrace; 
He  dwelt  far  distant  from  his  native  place. 
By  his  fier(;e  stop-dame  fi'om  his  father's  reign 
Expell'd  and  exiled  for  her  brother  slain): 
These  rule  the  Phthians,  and  their  arms  employ, 
Mix'd  with  lio;otians,  on  the  shores  of  Troy. 

Now  side  by  side,  with  like  unwearied  care. 
Each  Ajax  labor'd  througli  the  field  of  war: 
So  when  two  lordly  bulls,  with  equal  toil, 
Force  the  bright  ])longhsl)are  through  the  fallow  soil, 
Join'd  to  one  yoke  the  stiiljlxu'ii  earth  they  tear. 
And  trace  largo  furrows  with  the  shining  share; 
O'er  their  hiig((  limbs  the  foam  des(;(ui(ls  in  snow. 
And  streams  of  sweat  down  their  sour  foreheads  flow. 
A  train  of  heroes  followed  through  the  field, 
Who  bore  by  turns  great  Ajax's  sevenfold  shield; 
Whene'er  he  breathed,  remissive  of  his  migiit, 


326  THE  ILIAD. 

Tired  with  the  incessant  slaughters  of  the  fight 

No  following  troops  his  brave  associate  grace: 

In  close  engagement  an  unpractised  race, 

The  Locrian  squadrons  nor  the  javelin  wield, 

Nor  bear  the  helm,  nor  lift  the  moony  shield; 

But  skill'd  from  far  the  flying  shaft  to  wing, 

Or  whirl  the  sounding  pebble  from  the  sling. 

Dexterous  with  these  they  aim  a  certain  wound, 

Or  fell  the  distant  warrior  to  the  ground. 

Thus  in  the  van  the  Telamonian  train, 

Throng'd  in  bright  arms,  a  pressing  light  maintain: 

Far  in  the  rear  the  Locrian  archers  lie, 

AVhose  stones  and  arrows  intercept  the  sky. 

The  mingled  tempest  on  the  foes  they  pour: 

Troy's  scattering  orders  open  to  the  shower. 

Now  had  the  Greeks  eternal  fame  acquired. 
And  the  gallM  Ilians  to  their  walls  retired; 
But  sage  Polydamas,  discreetly  brave, 
Address'd  great  Hector,  and  this  counsel  gave: 

"Though  great  in  all,  thou  seem'st  averse  to  lend 
Impartial  audience  to  a  faithful  friend; 
To  gods  and  men  thy  matchless  worth  is  known, 
And  every  art  of  glorious  war  thy  own; 
But  in  cool  thought  and  counsel  to  excel. 
How  widely  differs  this  from  warring  well! 
Content  with  what  the  bounteous  gods  have  given,' 
Seek  not  alone  to  engross  the  gifts  of  Heaven. 
J  To  some  the  powers  of  bloody  war  belong, 

J  To  some  sweet  music  and  the  charm  of  song; 

^To  few,  and  wondrous  few,  has  Jove  assign'd 
^A  wise,  extensive,  all-considering  mind: 
Their  guardians  these,  the  nations  round  confess. 
And  towns  and  empires  for  their  safety  bless. 
If  Heaven  have  lodged  this  virtue  in  my  breast. 
Attend,  0  Hector!  what  I  judge  the  best, 
See,  as  thou  mov'st,  on  dangers  dangers  spread. 
And  war's  whole  fury  burns  around  thy  head. 
Behold !  distress'd  within  yon  hostile  wall, 
How  many  Trojans  yield,  disperse,  or  fall! 
"What  troops,  outnumber'd,  scarce  the  war  maintain, 
And  what  brave  heroes  at  the  ships  lie  slain! 
Here  cease  thy  fury:  and,  the  chiefs  and  kings 
Convoked  to  council,  weigh  the  sum  of  things. 
Whether  (the  gods  succeeding  our  desires) 
To  yon  tall  ships  to  bear  the  Trojan  fires; 


THE  ILIAD.  327 

Or  quit  the  fleet,  and  pass  uiiliurt  away, 

Contented  with  the  conquest  of  tlie  day. 

I  fear,  I  fear,  lest  Greece,  not  yet  undone, 

Pay  the  large  debt  of  last  revolving  sun. 

Achilles,  great  Achilles,  yet  remains 

On  yonder  decks,  and  yet  o'erlooks  the  plains!" 

The  counsel  pleased;  and  Hector,  with  a  bound, 
Leap'd  from  his  chariot  on  the  trembling  ground; 
Swift  as  he  leapM  his  clanging  arms  resound. 
"To  guard  this  post  (he  cried)  thy  art  employ, 
And  here  detain  the  scatter'd  youth  of  Troy; 
Where  yonder  heroes  faint,  I  laend  my  way, 
And  hasten  back  to  end  the  doubtful  day." 

This  said,  the  towering  chief  prepares  to  go, 
Shakes  his  wliite  plumes  that  to  the  breezes  flow, 
And  seems  a  moving  mountain  topji'd  with  snow. 
Through  all  his  host,  inspiring  force,  he  flies, 
And  bids  anew  the  martial  thunder  rise. 
To  Panthus'  son,  at  Hector's  high  command 
Haste  the  bold  leaders  of  the  Trojan  band: 
But  round  the  battlements,  and  round  the  plain. 
For  many  a  chief  he  look'd,  but  look'd  in  vain; 
De'iphobus,  nor  Helenus  the  seer, 
Xor  Asius'  son,  nor  Asius  self  appear: 
For  these  wore  pierced  with  many  a  ghastly  wound, 
Some  cold  in  death,  some  groaning  on  the  ground; 
Some  low  in  dust  (a  mournful  ol)ject)  lay; 
High  on  the  wall  some  breatlied  their  souls  away. 

Far  on  the  left,  amid  tlie  throng  he  found 
(Cheering  the  troops,  and  dealing  deaths  around) 
The  graceful  Paris;  whom,  witli  fury  moved. 
Opprobrious  tliu.s,  tli'  impatient  chief  re})roved: 

"Ill-fated  Paris!  slave  to  womankind. 
As  smooth  of  face  as  fraudulent  of  miiul! 
AVhere  is  Dc'i[)hobus,  where  Asius'  gone? 
The  godlike  father,  and  th'  intrepid  son? 
The  force  of  Ilcleniis,  disj)ensing  fate; 
And  great  Othryoneus,  so  fear'd  of  hite? 
Jihick  fate  hangs  o'er  thee  from  th'  avenging  gods, 
Imperial  Troy  from  her  foiindatio?is  nods; 
Whelrn'd  in  thy  country's  ruin  shalt  thou  fall, 
And  one  devouring  vengeance  swallow  all." 

When  Paris  thus:  "My  brother  and  my  friend. 
Thy  warm  impaticMice  makes  thy  tongue  olleud. 
In  other  battles  I  deserved  thy  blame, 


328  THE  ILIAD. 

Though  then  not  deedless,  nor  unknown  to  fame: 

But  since  yon  rampart  by  thy  arms  lay  low, 

I  scatter'd  slaughter  from  my  fatal  bow. 

The  chiefs  you  seek  on  yonder  shore  lie  slain; 

Of  all  tliose  heroes,  two  alone  remain; 

Deiphobus,  and  Helenus  the  seer, 

Each  now  disabled  by  a  hostile  spear. 

Go  then,  successful,  where  thy  soul  insjDires: 

Tliis  heart  and  hand  shall  second  all  thy  fires: 

What  with  this  arm  I  can,  prepare  to  know. 

Till  death  for  death  be  paid,  and  blow  for  blow. 

But  'tis  not  ours,  with  forces  not  our  own 

To  combat:  strength  is  of  the  gods  alone." 

These  words  the  hero's  angry  mind  assuage: 

Then  fierce  they  mingle  where  the  thickest  rage. 

Around  Polydamas,  distain'd  with  blood, 

Cebrion,  Phalces,  stern  Ortheeus  stood, 

Palmus  with  Polypoetes  the  divine, 

And  two  bold  brothers  of  Hippotion's  line 

(Wlio  reach'd  fair  Ilion,  from  Ascania  far. 

The  former  day;  the  next  engaged  in  war). 

As  when  from  gloomy  clouds  a  whirlwind  springs, 

That  bears  Jove's  thunder  on  its  dreadful  wings, 

Wide  o'er  the  blasted  fields  the  tempest  sweeps; 

Then,  gather'd,  settles  on  the  hoary  deeps; 

The  afflicted  deeps  tumultuous  mix  and  roar; 

The  waves  behind  impel  the  waves  before. 

Wide  rolling,  foaming  high,  and  tumbling  to  the  shore: 

Thus  rank  on  rank,  the  thick  battalions  throng. 

Chief  urged  on  chief,  and  man  drove  man  along. 

Far  o'er  the  plains,  in  dreadful  order  bright, 

The  brazen  arms  reflect  a  beamy  light: 

Full  in  the  blazing  van  great  Hector  shined. 

Like  Mars  commission'd  to  confound  mankind. 

Before  him  flaming  his  enormous  shield. 

Like  the  broad  sun,  illumined  all  the  field; 

His  nodding  helm  emits  a  streamy  ray; 

His  piercing  eyes  through  all  the  battle  stray, 

And,  while  beneath  his  targe  he  flash'd  along. 

Shot  terrors  round,  that  wither'd  e'en  the  strong. 

Thus  stalk'd  he,  dreadful;  death  was  in  his  look: 
Whole  nations  fear'd;  but  not  an  Argive  shook. 
The  towering  Ajax,  with  an  ample  stride, 
Advanced  the  first,  and  thus  the. chief  defied: 

■'Hector!  come  on;  thy  empty  threats  forbear; 


THE  ILIAD.  329 

'Tis  not  th}'  arm,  'tis  thundering  Jove  we  fear: 

The  skill  of  war  to  us  not  idly  given, 

Lol  Greece  is  humbled,  not  by  Troy,  but  Heaven. 

Vain  are  the  hopes  that  liaughty  mind  imparts, 

To  force  our  fleet:  the  Greeks  have  hands  and  hearts. 

Long  ere  in  flames  our  lofty  navy  fall. 

Your  boasted  city,  and  your  god-built  wall, 

Shall  sink  beneath  us,  smoking  on  the  ground; 

And  spread  a  long  unmeasured  ruin  round. 

Tlie  time  shall  come,  when,  chased  along  the  plain, 

Even  thou  shalt  call  on  Jove,  and  call  in  vain; 

Even  thou  shalt  wish,  to  aid  thy  desperate  course, 

The  wings  of  falcons  for  thy  flying  horse; 

Shalt  run,  forgetful  of  a  warrior's  fame, 

AVhile  clouds  of  friendly  dust  conceal  thy  shame." 

As  thus  he  spoke,  behold,  in  open  view. 
On  sounding  wings  a  dexter  eagle  flew. 
To  Jove's  glad  omen  all  the  Grecians  rise, 
And  hail,  witii  shouts,  his  progress  through  the  skies: 
Far-echoing  clamors  bound  from  side  to  side; 
They  ceased;  and  thus  the  chief  of  Troy  replied: 

"From  whence  this  menace,  this  insulting  strain? 
Enormous  boaster!  doom'd  to  vaunt  in  vain. 
So  may  the  gods  on  Hector  life  bestow, 
(Not  that  short  life  which  mortals  lead  below, 
But  such  as  those  of  Jove's  high  lineage  born, 
The  blue-eyed  maid,  or  he  that  gihls  the  morn), 
As  this  decisive  day  shall  end  the  fame 
Of  Greece,  and  Argos  be  no  more  a  name. 
And  thou,  im|)orious!  if  tliy  madness  wait 
The  lance  of  Hector,  thou  siialt  meet  thy  fate: 
Tliat  giant-corse,  extended  on  the  shore. 
Shall  largely  feast  the  fowls  with  fat  and  gore.'* 
He  said;  and  like  a  lion  stalk'd  along: 
^Vitll  shouts  incessant  earth  and  ocean  rung, 
Sent  from  his  following  host:  the  Grecian  train 
"With  answering  thunders  fill'd  the  echoing  plain; 
A  shout  that  tore  heaven's  concave,  an<l,  aljovo, 
Shook  the  iix'd  splendors  of  the  throne  of  Jove. 


^ 


liOs  /\NccL,es 

L.OE  Angeles.  ■      . 


330  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK    XIY.* 

ARGUMENT. 

JUN'O   DECEIVES   JUPITEE    BY    THE     gIrDLE    OF   VENUS. 

Nestor,  sitting  at  the  table  witli  Macliaon,  is  alarmed  with  the 
increasing  clamor  of  war,  and  hastens  to  Agamemnon;  on  his 
way  he  meets  that  prince  with  Diomed  and  Ulysses,  whom 
he  informs  of  the  extremity  of  the  danger.  Agamemnon 
proposes  to  make  their  escape  by  night,  which  Ulysses  with- 
stands; to  which  Diomed  adds  his  advice,  that,  wounded  as 
they  were,  they  should  go  forth  and  encouralge  the  army 
with  their  presence,  which  advice  is  pursued.  Juno,  seeing 
the  partiality  of  Jupiter  to  the  Trojans,  forms  a  design  to 
overreach  him:  she  sets  off  her  charms  with  the  utmost  care, 
and  (the  more  surely  to  euchant  him)  obtains  the  magic  girdle 
of  Venus.  She  then  applies  herself  to  the  god  of  sleep,  and, 
with  some  diflBculty,  persuades  him  to  seal  the  eyes  of 
Jupiter;  this  done,  she  goes  to  Mount  Ida,  where  the  god,  at 
first  sight,  is  ravished  with  her  beauty,  sinks  in  her  em- 
braces, and  is  laid  asleep.  Nepture  takes  advantage  of  hig 
slumber,  and  succcrs  the  Greeks:  Hector  is  struck  to  the 
ground  with  a  prodigious  stone  by  Ajax,  and  carried  off  from 
the  battle;  several  actions  succeed,  till  the  Trojans,  much 
distressed,  are  obliged  to  give  way;  the  lesser  Ajax  signal- 
izes himself  in  a  particular  manner. 

But  not  the  genial  feast,  nor  flowing  bowl, 
Could  charm  the  cares  of  Nestor's  watchful  soul; 
His  startled  ears  the  increasing  cries  attend; 
Then  thus,  impatient,  to  his  wounded  friend: 

"What  new  alarm,  divine  Machaon,  say, 
What  mix'd  events  attend  this  mighty  day? 
Hark!  how  the  shouts  divide,  and  how  they  meet, 
And  now  come  full,  and  thicken  to  the  fleet! 
Here  with  the  cordial  draught  dispel  thy  care, 

*  This  book  forms  a  most  agreeable  interruption  to  the  con- 
tinuous round  of  battles,  which  occupy  the  latter  part  of  the  Iliad. 
It  is  as  well  to  observe,  that  the  sameness  of  these  scenes  renders 
many  notes  unnecessary. 


THE  ILIAD.  331 

Let  Hecaniede  the  strengthening  bath  prepare, 
Refresh  thy  wound,  and  cleanse  the  clotted  gore; 
While  I  the  adventures  of  the  day  explore." 

He  said:  and,  seizing  Thrasymedes'  shield 
(His  valiant  offspring),  hasten'd  to  the  field 
(That  day  the  son  his  father's  buckler  bore); 
Then  snatch'd  a  lance,  and  issued  from  the  door. 
Soon  as  the  prospect  opeu'd  to  his  view. 
His  wounded  eyes  the  scene  of  sorrow  knew; 
Dire  disarrayl  the  tumult  of  the  fight. 
The  wall  in  ruins,  and  the  Greeks  in  flight. 
As  when  old  ocean's  silent  surface  sleeps, 
The  Avaves  just  heaving  on  the  purple  deeps: 
While  yet  the  expected  tempest  hands  on  high, 
Weighs  down  the  cloud,  and  blackens  in  the  sky, 
The  mass  of  waters  will  no  wind  obey; 
Jove  sends  one  gust,  and  bids  them  roll  away. 
While  wavering  counsels  thus  his  mind  engage, 
Fluctuates  in  doubtful  tiiought  the  Pylian  sage; 
To  join  the  host,  or  to  the  general  haste;  ' 

Debating  long,  he  fixes  on  the  last: 
Yet,  as  he  moves,  the  sight  his  bosom  warms, 
The  field  rings  dreadful  with  the  clang  of  arms, 
The  gleaming  falchions  flash,  the  javelins  fly; 
IJlows  echo  blows,  and  all  or  kill  or  die. 

Him,  in  his  march,  the  wounded  princes  meet. 
By  tardy  steps  ascending  from  the  fleet: 
Tlie  king  of  men,  Ulysses  the  divine, 
And  who  to  Tydens  owes  his  noble  line.* 
(Their  ships  at  distance  from  tlio  battle  stand, 
In  lines  advanced  along  the  shelving  strand: 
Whose  bay,  the  fleet  unable  to  contain 
At  length;  beside  the  margin  of  tiie  main, 
Rank  above  rank,  the  crowded  ships  they  moor: 
Who  landed  first,  lay  liigliest  on  the  shore.) 
Supported  on  the  spears,  they  took  their  way. 
Unfit  to  fight,  Ijiit  anxious  for  the  day. 
Nestor's  approacli  alarm 'd  each  (irecian  breast, 
Whom  thus  the  general  of  the  host  address'd: 

"0  grace  and  glory  of  the  Aniiaian  name; 
What  drives  thee,  N'estor,  from  the  Hold  of  fame? 
Shall  then  proud  Hector  sec  his  boast  fulfill'd, 
Our  fleets  in  ashes,  and  our  iierocs  kill'dV 

*WIio  to  Tydeua  owes,  i.  e.,  Diomed. 


333  THE  ILIAD. 

Such  was  his  threat,  ah!  now  too  soon  made  good, 
On  many  a  Grecian  bosom  writ  in  blood. 
Is  every  heart  inflamed  with  equal  rage 
Against  your  king,  nor  will  one  chief  engage? 
And  have  I  lived  to  see  with  mournful  eyes 
In  every  Greek  a  new  Achilles  rise?" 

Gerenian  Nestor  then:  "So  fate  has  will'd, 
And  all-confirming  time  has  fate  fulfill'd. 
Not  he  that  thunders  from  the  aerial  bower, 
Not  Jove  himself,  upon  the  past  has  power. 
The  wall,  our  late  inviolable  bound, 
And  best  defence,  lies  smokiiig  on  the  ground: 
Even  to  the  ships  their  conquering  arms  extend, 
And  groans  of  slaughter'd  Greeks  to  heaven  ascend. 
On  speedy  measures  then  employ  your  thought 
In  such  distress!  if  counsel  profit  aught: 
Arms  cannot  much:  though  Mars  our  souls  incite, 
These  gaping  wounds  withhold  us  from  the  fight." 

To  him  the  monarch:  "That  our  army  bends. 
That  Troy  triumphant  our  high  fleet  ascends, 
And  that  the  rampart,  late  our  surest  trust 
And  best  defence,  lies  smoking  in  the  dust; 
All  this  from  Jove's  afflictive  hand  we  bear. 
Who,  far  from  Argos,  wills  our  ruin  here. 
Past  are  the  days  when  happier  Greece  was  blest, 
And  all  his  favor,  all  his  aid  conf ess'd ; 
Now  heaven  averse,  our  hands  from  battle  ties. 
And  lifts  the  Trojan  glory  to  the  skies. 
Cease  we  at  length  to  waste  our  blood  in  vain, 
And  launch  what  ships  lie  nearest  to  the  main. 
Leave  these  at  anchor,  till  the  coming  night: 
Then,  if  impetuous  Troy  forbear  the  fight. 
Bring  all  to  sea,  and  hoist  each  sail  for  flight. 
/^Better  from  evils,  well  foreseen,  to  run. 
Than  perish  in  the  danger  we  may  shun." 

Thus  he.     The  sage  Ulysses  thus  replied, 
While  anger  flash'd  from  his  disdainful  eyes: 
"What  shameful  words  (unkingly  as  thou  art) 
Fall  from  that  trembling  tongue  and  timorous  heart? 
Oil  were  thy  sway  the  curse  of  meaner  powers. 
And  thou  the  shame  of  any  host  but  ours! 
A  host,  by  Jove  endued  with  martial  might. 
And  taught  to  conquer,  or  to  fall  in  fight: 
Adventurous  combats  and  bold  wars  to  wage, 
Employ'd  our  youth,  and  yet  employs  our  age. 


THE  ILIAD.  333 

And  wilt  thon  thus  desert  the  Trojan  plain? 
And  have  whole  streams  of.blood  been  spilt  in  vain? 
In  such  base  sentence  if  thon  conch  thy  fear, 
Speak  it  in  whispers,  lest  a  Greek  should  hear. 
Lives  here  a  man  so  dead  to  fame,  who  dares 
To  think  such  meanness,  or  the  thought  declares? 
And  comes  it  even  from  him  whose  sovereign  sway 
The  banded  legions  of  all  Greece  obey? 
Is  this  a  general's  voice  that  calls  to  flight, 
While  war  hangs  doubtful,  while  his  soldiers  fight? 
What  more  could  Troy?     AVhat  yet  their  fate  denies 
Thou  givest  the  foe:  all  Greece  becomes  their  prize. 
No  more  the  troops  (our  hoisted  sails  in  view, 
Themselves  abandon'd)  shall  the  fight  pursue; 
But  thy  ships  flying,  with  despair  shall  see; 
And  owe  destructiun  to  a  prince  like  thee." 
"Thy  just  reproofs  (Atrides  calm  replies) 
Like  arrows  pierce  me,  for  thy  words  are  wise. 
Unwilling  as  I  am  to  lose  the  host, 
I  force  not  Greece  to  quit  this  hateful  coast; 
Glad  I  submit,  whoe'er,  or  young,  or  old, 
Aught,  more  conducive  to  our  weal,  unfold." 

Tydides  cut  him  short,  and  thus  began: 
"Such  counsel  if  you  seek,  behold  the  man 
Who  boldly  gives  it,  and  what  he  shall  say, 
Young  though  he  be,  disdain  not  to  obey: 
A  youtli,  who  from  the  mighty  Tydeus  springs, 
^lay  speak  to  councils  and  assembled  kings. 
Hear  then  in  me  the  great  (Knides'  son, 
Whose  honor'd  dust  (his  race  of  glory  run) 
Lies  wholm'd  in  ruins  of  the  Theban  wall; 
Jiravo  in  his  life,  and  glorious  in  his  fall. 
With  three  bold  sons  was  generous  Prothous  bless'd, 
Who  Pleuron's  walls  and  Galydon  possess'd; 
Molas  and  Agrius,  but  (who  far  surjjass'd 
The  rest  in  courage)  (Eneus  was  the  last. 
From  liitn,  my  sire.     From  Calydon  exijoll'd, 
lie  pass'd  to  Argos,  and  in  exile  dwell'd; 
'J'he  monarch's  daughter  there  (so  Jove  ordain'd) 
'  He  won,  and  flourish'd  where  Adrastus  reign'd; 
There,  rich  in  fortune's  gifts,  his  acres  till'd, 
Beheld  his  vines  their  lifpiid  harvest  yield, 
And  numerous  flocks  that  whiien'd  all  the  field. 
Sncii  Tydeus  was,  the  foremost  once  in  fame! 
Nor  lives  in  Greece  a  stranger  to  his  name. 


334  THE  ILIAD. 

Then,  what  for  common  good  my  thoughts  inspire, 

Attend,  and  in  the  son  respect  the  sire. 

Though  sore  of  battle,  though  with  wounds  oppress'd, 

Let  each  go  forth,  and  animate  the  rest. 

Advance  the  glory  which  he  cannot  share, 

Though  not  partaker,  witness  of  the  war. 

But  lest  new  wounds  on  wounds  o'erpower  ns  quite, 

Beyond  the  missile  javelin's  sounding  flight, 

Safe  let  us  stand;  and,  from  the  tumult  far, 

Ins2)ire  che  ranks,  and  rule  the  distant  war." 

He  added  not;  the  listening  kings  obey, 

Slow  moving  on;  Atrides  leads  the  way. 

The  god  of  ocean  (to  inflame  their  rage) 

Appears  a  warrior  furrowed  o'er  with  age; 

Press'd  in  his  own,  the  general's  hand  he  took, 

And  thus  the  venerable  hero  spoke: 

"Atrides!  lo!  with  what  disdainful  eye 
Achilles  sees  his  country's  forces  fly; 
Blind,  impious  man  I  whose  anger  is  his  guide, 
Who  glories  in  unutterable  pride. 
So  may  he  perish,  so  may  Jove  disclaim 
The  wretch  relentless,  and  o'erwhelm  with  shame! 
But  Heaven  forsakes  not  thee:  o'er  yonder  sands 
Soon  shalt  thou  view  the  scatter'd  Trojan  bands 
Fly  diverse;  while  proud  kings,  and  chief  renown'd. 
Driven  heaps  on  heaps,  with  clouds  involved  around 
Of  rolling  dust,  their  winged  wheels  employ 
To  hide  their  ignominious  heads  in  Troy." 

He  spoke,  then  rush'd  amid  the  warrior  crew, 
And  sent  his  voice  before  him  as  he  flew, 
Ijoud,  as  the  shout  encountering  armies  yield 
When  twice  ten  thousand  shake  the  laboring  field; 
Such  was  the  voice,  and  such  the  thundering  sound 
Of  him  whose  trident  rends  the  solid  ground. 
Each  Argive  bosom  beats  to  meet  the  fight. 
And  grisly  war  appears  a  pieasing  sight. 

Meantime  Saturnia  from  Olympus'  brow. 
High-throned  in  gold,  beheld  the  fields  below; 
With  joy  the  glorious  conflict  she  survey'd. 
Where  her  great  brother  gave  the  Grecians  aid. 
But  placed  aloft,  on  Ida's  shady  height 
She  sees  her  Jove,  and  trembles  at  the  sight. 
Jove  to  deceive,  what  methods  shall  she  try. 
What  arts,  to  blind  his  all-beholding  eye? 
C  At  length  she  trusts  her  power;  resolved  to  prove 


THE  ILIAD.  335 

The  old,  yet  still  successful,  cheat  of  love; 
Against  his  wisdom  to  oppose  her  charms, 
And  lull  the  lord  of  thunders  in  her  arms. 

Swift  to  her  bright  apartment  she  repairs, 
Sacred  to  dress  and  beaut3''s  pleasing  cares; 
With  skill  divine  had  Vulcan  forra'd  the  bower, 
Safe  from  access  of  each  intruding  power. 
Touch'd  with  her  secret  key,  the  doors  unfold: 
Self-closed,  behind  her  shut  the  valves  of  gold. 
Here  first  she  bathes;  and  round  her  body  pours 
Soft  oils  of  fragrance,  and  ambrosial  showers; 
The  winds,  perfumed,  the  balmy  gale  convey 
Through  heaven,  through  earth,  and  all  the  aerial  way 
Spirit  divine!  whose  exhalation  greets 
The  sense  of  gods  with  more  than  mortal  sweets. 
Thus  while  she  breathed  of  heaven,  with  decent  pride 
Her  artfulhands  the  radiant  tresses  tied; 
Part  on  her  head  in  shining  ringlets  roll'd. 
Part  o'er  her  shoulders  waved  like  melted  gold. 
Around  her  next  a  heavenly  mantle  flow'd, 
That  rich  with  Pallas'  labo'r'd  colors  glow'd: 
Large  clasps  of  gold  the  foldings  gather'd  round, 
A  golden  zone  her  swelling  bosom  bound. 
Far-beaming  pendants  tremble  in  her  ear, 
Each  gem  illumined  witli  a  triple  star. 
Then  o'er  her  head  she  cast  a  veil  more  white 
Than  new-fallen  snow,  and  dazzling  as  the  light. 
Last  her  fair  feet  celestial  sandals  grace. 
Tiuis  issuing  radiant  with  majestic  pace, 
Forth  from  the  dome  the  imperial  goddess  moves, 
And  calls  the  mother  of  the  smiles  and  loves. 

"How  long  (to  Venus  thus  apart  she  cried) 
Shall  human  strife  celestial  minds  divide? 
Ah  yet,  will  Vonns  aid  Saturn ia's  joy. 
And  sot  aside  the  cause  of  (Jreeco  and  Troy?" 

"Let  heaven's  dread  empress  (Cythenea  said) 
Speak  her  request,  and  deem  her  will  ol)ey'd." 

"Then   grant   mn  (said   the  queen)  those  coiKjUcring 
charms, 
That  power,  which  mortals  and  immortals  warms. 
That  love,  wlii<di  melts  mankind  in  lierc(!  desires, 
And  burns  the  sons  of  heaven  with  sacr(!d  lires! 

"For  lo!  I  haste  to  those  remote  abodes, 
Where  the  gr^at  parents  (sacred  source  of  gods!) 
Ocean  and  'L'etlivs  their  old  em])ire  keep, 


336  THE  ILIAD. 

On  the  last  limits  of  the  land  and  deep. 

In  their  kind  arms  my  tender  years  were  past; 

What  time  old  Saturn,  from  Olympus  cast, 

Of  upper  heaven  to  Jove  resign'd  the  reign, 

Whelm'd  under  the  huge  mass  of  earth  and  main. 

For  strife,  I  hear,  has  made  the  union  cease. 

Which  held  so  long  that  ancient  pair  in  peace. 

What  honor,  and  what  love,  shall  I  obtain, 

If  I  compose  those  fatal  feuds  again; 

Once  more  their  minds  in  mutual  ties  engage, 

And,  what  my  youth  has  owed,  repay  their  age!" 

She  said.     With  awe  divine,  the  queen  of  love 
Obey'd  the  sister  and  the  wife  of  Jove; 
And"  from  her  fragrant  breast  the  zone  embraced,* 
With  various  skill  and  high  embroidery  graced. 
In  this  was  every  art,  and  every  charm. 
To  win  the  wisest,  and  the  coldest  warm: 
Fond  love,  the  gentle  vow,  the  gay  desire, 
The  kind  deceit,  the  still-reviving  i3re, 
Persuasive  speech,  and  the  more  persuasive  sighs, 
Silence  that  spoke,  and  eloquence  of  eyes. 
This  on  her  hand  the  Cyprian  Goddess  laid; 
"Take  this  and  with  it  all  thy  wish,"  she  said. 
With  smiles  she  took  the  charm;  and  smiling  press'd 
The  powerful  cestus  to  her  snowy  breast. 

Then  Venus  to  the  courts  of  Jove  withdrew; 
Whilst  from  Olympus  pleased  Saturuia  flew. 
O'er  high  Pieria  thence  her  course  she  bore, 
O'er  fair  Emathia'a  ever-pleasing  shore. 
O'er  Hem  us'  hills  with  snow  eternal  crown'd; 
Nor  once  her  flying  foot  approach 'd  the  ground. 
Then  taking  wing  from  Athos'  lofty  steep, 
She  speeds  to  Lemnos  o'er  the  rolling  deep, 
And  seeks  the  cave  of  Death's  half-brother,  Sleep. f 

"Sweet  pleasing  Sleep!  (Saturnia  thus  began) 
"Who  spread'st  thy  empire  o'er  each  god  and  man: 
If  e'er  obsequious  to  thy  Juno's  will, 


*  Compare  Tasso: 

Teneri  sdegni,  e  placide,  e  tranquille 
Repulse,  e  cari  vezzi,  e  liete  paci, 
Sorrisi,  parolette,  e  dolci  stille 
Di  pianto,  e  sospir  troncbi,  e  innlli  baci." 

— Gier.  Lib.  xvi.  25. 
f  Compare  tbe  description  of  tbe  dwelling  of  Sleep  in  Orlando 
Furioso,  bk.  vi. 


THE  ILIAD.  337 

0  power  of  slumbers!  hear,  and  favor  still. 
Shed  they  soft  dews  on  Jove's  immortal  eyes, 
AVhile  sunk  iu  love's  entrancing  joys  he  lies. 
A  splendid  footstool,  and  a  throne,  that  shine 
With  gold  uitfuding,  Somnns,  shall  be  thine; 
The  work  of  Vulcan;  to  indulge  thy  ease. 
When  wine  and  feasts  thy  golden  luimors  please." 

"Imperial  dame  (the  balmy  power  replies). 
Great  Saturn's  heir,  and  empress  of  the  skies! 
O'er  other  gods  I  spread  my  easy  chain; 
Tiie  sire  of  all,  old  Ocean,  owns  my  reign, 
And  his  hush'd  waves  lie  silent  on  the  main. 
But  how,  unbidden,  shall  I  dare  to  steep 
Jove's  awful  temples  in  the  dew  of  sleep? 
Long  since  too  venturous  at  thy  bold  command 
On  those  eternal  lids  I  laid  my  hand; 
AVhat  time,  deserting  Ilion's  wasted  plain, 
His  conquering  son,  Alcides,  plough'd  the  main. 
When  lo!  the  deeps  arise,  the  tempests  roar, 
And  drive  the  hero  to  the  Coan  shore: 
Great  Jove,  awaking,  shook  the  blest  abodes 
With  rising  wrath,  and  tumbled  gods  on  gods; 
Me  chief  he  sought,  and  from  the  realms  on  high 
Uad  hurl'd  indignant  to  the  nether  sky, 
But  gentle  Night,  to  whom  I  fled  for  aid 
(Tiie  friend  of  earth  and  heaven),  her  wings  display'd  ; 
Impower'd  the  wrath  of  gods  and  men  to  tame, 
Even  Jovo  revered  the  venerable  dame." 

"Vain  are  thy  fears  (the  queen  of  heaven  replies, 
And,  speaking,  rolls  her  large  majestic  eyes); 
Tliink'st  thou  that  'i'roy  has  Jove's  high  favor  won, 
Like  great  Alcides,  his  all-conquering  son? 
Hear,  and  obey  the  mistress  of  the  skies, 
Nor  U)V  the  deed  expect  a  vulgar  prize; 
For  know,  thy  loved-one  shall  be  ever  thine, 
The  youngest  Gra<;e,  Pasithae  the  divine.* 

"Swear  then  (he  said)  by  those  tremendous  floods 
That  roar  through  hell,  and  Ijiiid  the  invoking  gods: 
Let  the  great  parent  earth  one  hand  sustain. 
And  stretch  the  other  o'er  the  sacred  main; 

*  "  'I'wice  seven,  tlin  clianiiirifr  daiifjliters  of  tlie  main — 
ArouncJ  my  jjcrsoii  wait,  and  bear  my  train; 
Succeed  my  wisli,  and  sfcoiid  my  d<!sign, 
The  faireut,  Deiopeia,  sliall  l»e  fliine." 

— Drydeu'h  Virgil,  A'm.  i.  107,  .scq. 


\ 


338  THE  ILIAD. 

Call  the  black  Titans,  that  with  Chronos  dwell, 
To  hear  and  witness  from  the  depths  of  hell, 
That  she,  my  loved-one,  shall  be  ever  mine, 
The  youngest  Grace,  Pasithae  the  divine." 

The  qneen  assents,  and  from  the  infernal  bowers 
Invokes  the  sable  subtartarean  powers, 
And  those  who  rule  the  inviolable  floods, 
Whom  mortals  name  the  dread  Titaiiian  gods. 

Then  swift  as  wind,  o'er  Lemnos'  smoky  isle 
They  wing  their  way,  and  Imbrus'  sea-beat  soil; 
Through  air,  unseen,  involved  in  darkness  glide, 
And  light  on  Lectos,  on  the  point  of  Ide 
(Mother  of  savages,  whose  echoing  hills 
Are  heard  resounding  with  a  hundred  rills): 
Fair  Ida  trembles  underneath  the  god: 
Hush'd  are  her  mountains,  and  her  forests  nod. 
There  on  a  fir,  whose  spiry  branches  rise 
To  join  its  summit  to  the  neighboring  skies; 
Dark  in  embowering  shade,  conceal'd  from  sight, 
Sat  Slee]),  in  likeness  of  the  bird  of  night 
(Chalcis  his  name  by  those  of  heavenly  birth 
But  call'd  Cymindis  by  the  race  of  earth). 

To  Ida's  top  successful  Juno  flies; 
Great  Jove  surveys  her  with  desiring  eyes; 
The  god,  whose  lightning  sets  the  heavens  on  fire, 
Through  all  his  bosom  feels  the  fierce  desire; 
Fierce  as  when  first  by  stealth  he  seized  her  cbarms, 
Mix'd  with  her  soul,  and  melted  in  her  arms: 
Fix'd  on  her  eyes  he  fed  his  eager  look, 
Then  press'd  her  hand,  and  thus  with  transport  spoke: 

''Why  comes  my  goddess  from  the  ethereal  sky, 
And  not  her  steeds  and  flaming  chariot  nigh?" 
Then  she — "I  haste  to  those  renjote  abodes 
Where  the  great  parents  of  the  deathless  gods, 
The  reverend  Ocean  and  gray  Tethys,  reign, 
On  the  last  limits  of  the  land  and  main. 
I  visit  these,  to  whose  indulgent  cares 
I  owe  the  nursing  of  my  tender  years: 
For  strife,  I  hear,  has  made  that  union  cease 
Which  held  so  long  that  ancient  pair  in  peace. 
The  steeds,  prepared  my  chariot  to  convey 
O'er  earth  and  seas,  and  through  the  aerial  way, 
Wait  under  Ide:  of  thy  superior  power 
To  ask  consent,  I  leave  the  Olympian  bower; 
Nor  seek,  unknown  to  thee,  the  sacred  cells 


THE  ILIAD.  339 

Deep  under  seas,  where  hoary  Ocean  dwells."    ''*^~ 

"For  that  (said  Jove)  suffice  another  day! 
But  eager  love  denies  the  least  delay. 
Let  softer  cares  the  present  hour  employ, 
And  be  these  moments  sacred  all  to  joy. 
Ne'er  did  my  soul  so  strong  a  passion  prove 
Or  for  an  earthly,  or  a  heavenly  love: 
Not  when  I  press'd  Ixion's  matchless  dame. 
Whence  rose  Pirithous  like  the  gods  in  fame: 
Not  when  fair  Dauati  felt  the  shower  of  gold 
Stream  into  life,  whence  Perseus  brave  and  bold. 
Not  thus  I  burn'd  for  either  Theban  dame 
(Bacchus  from  this,  from  that  Alcides  came): 
Nor  Phoenix's  daughter,  beautiful  and  young. 
Whence  godlike  Rhadamanth  and  Minos  sprung.* 
Not  thus  I  burn'd  for  fair  Latona's  face. 
Nor  comelier  Ceres'  more  majestic  grace. 
Not  thus  even  for  thyself  I  felt  desire. 
As  now  my  veins  receive  the  pleasing  dre." 

He  spoke;  the  goddess  with  the  charming  eyes 
Glows  celestial  red,  and  thus  replies: 
"Is  this  a  scene  of  love?     On  Ida's  height, 
Exposed  to  mortal  and  immortal  sight! 
Our  joys  profaned  by  each  familiar  eye; 
The  sport  of  heaven,  and  fable  of  the  sky. 
How  shall  I  e'er  review  the  blest  abodes, 
Or  mix  among  the  senate  of  the  gods? 
(Shall  I  not  think,  that,  with  disorder'd  charms, 
All  heaven  beholds  me  recent  from  thy  arms? 
With  skill  divine  has  Vulcan  form'd  thy  bower. 
Sacred  to  love  and  to  the  genial  hour; 
If  such  thy  will,  to  that  recess  retire, 
In  secret  there  indulge  thy  soft  desire." 


*  And  }fino8.  "By  Homer,  Minos  is  described  as  the  son  of 
Jupiter,  and  of  the  daughter  of  Fhcenix,  whom  all  succeeding,' 
aiitliors  name  Europa;  and  lie;  is  tlius  carried  haclt  into  the  n^ 
inotest  period  of  Cretan  anti()uity  known  to  tlie  poet,  apparently 
as  a  native  iii^ro,  illustrious  enougli  for  a  divin*^  jjan-nla^n-,  and 
too  ancient  to  allow  his  dctscent  to  be  traced  to  any  olhcr  source. 
But  in  a  f^enealojry  recorded  by  later  writers,  lie  is  likewise  the 
adopted  son  of  Asli-rius,  as  descendant  of  Dorus,  the  son  of  Helen, 
and  is  thus  connertt-d  with  a  colony  said  to  have  bei-n  led  into 
Creta  by  Tentamus,  or 'I'ectanius,  sfni  of  Dorus,  who  is  rdutcd 
either  to  have  crosserl  over  from  Thessaly,  or  to  have  embarked 
at  Malea  after  having  led  bis  followers  by  land  into  Lacunia." — 
Tbirlwall,  p.  lUC,  seq. 


340  THE  ILIAD. 

She  ceased;  and,  smiling  with  superior  love, 
Thus  answer'd  mild  the  cloud-compelling  Jove: 
"Nor  god  nor  mortal  shall  our  joys  behold, 
Shaded  with  clouds,  and  circumfused  in  gold; 
Not  even  the  sun,  who  darts  through  heaven  his  rays, 
And  whose  broad  eye  the  extended  earth  surveys." 

Gazing  he  spoke,  and,  kindling  at  the  view. 
His  eager  arms  around  the  goddess  threw. 
Glad  Earth  perceives,  and  from  her  bosom  pours 
Unbidden  herbs  and  voluntary  flowers: 
Thick  new-born  violets  a  soft  carpet  spread. 
And  clustering  lotos  swell'd  the  rising  bed. 
And  sudden  hyacinths  the  turf  bestrow,* 
The  flamy  crocus  made  the  mountain  glow. 
There  golden  clouds  conceal  the  heavenly  pair, 
Steep'd  in  soft  joys  and  circumfused  with  air; 
Celestial  dews,  descending  o'er  the  ground, 
Perfume  the  mount,  and  breathe  ambrosia  round: 
At  length,  with  love  and  sleep's  soft  power  oppress'd, 
The  panting  thunderer  nods,  and  sinks  to  rest. 

Now  to  the  navy  borne  on  silent  wings, 
To  Neptune's  ear  soft  Sleep  his  message  brings; 
Beside  him  sudden,  unperceived,  he  stood, 
And  thus  with  gentle  words  address'd  the  god: 

"Now,  Neptune!  now,  the  important  hour  employ, 
To  check  a  while  the  haughty  hopes  of  Troy: 
While  Jove  yet  rests,  while  yet  my  vapors  shed 
The  golden  vision  round  his  sacred  head; 
For  Juno's  love,  and  Somnus'  pleasing  ties, 
Have  closed  those  awful  and  eternal  eyes!" 
Thus  having  said,  the  power  of  slumber  flew, 
On  human  lids  to  drop  the  balmy  dew. 
Neptune,  with  zeal  increased,  renews  his  care, 
And  towering  in  the  foremost  ranks  of  war. 
Indignant  thus — "Oh  once  of  martial  fame! 
0  Greeks!  If  yet  ye  can  deserve  the  name! 
This  half-recover'd  day  shall  Troy  obtain? 
Shall  Hector  thunder  at  your  ships  again? 
Lo!  still  he  vaunts,  and  threats  the  fleet  with  fires,  m 

*  Milton  has  emulated  this  passage,  in  describing  the  couch  of 
oiir  first  parents: 

"  Underneath  the  violet, 
Crocus,  and  hyacinth  with  ilch  inlay, 
'Broider'd  the  ground."  ^"^ 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  iv.  700. 


THE  ILIAD.  341 

While  stern  Achilles  in  his  wrath  retires. 

One  hero's  loss  too  tamely  you  deplore. 

Be  still  yourselves,  and  ye  shall  need  no  more. 

Oh  yet,  if  glory  any  bosom  warms. 

Brace  on  your  firmest  helms,  and  stand  to  arms: 

His  strongest  spear  each  valiant  Grecian  wield, 

Each  valiant  Grecian  seize  his  broadest  shield; 

Let  to  the  weak  the  lighter  arms  belong. 

The  ponderous  targe  be  wielded  by  the  strong. 

Thus  arm'd,  not  Hector  shall  our  presence  stay; 

Myself,  ye  Greeks!  myself  will  lead  the  way." 

The  troops  assent;  their  martial  arms  they  change: 
The  busy  chiefs  their  banded  legions  range. 
The  kings,  though  wounded,  and  oppress'd  with  pain, 
With  helpful  hands  themselves  assist  the  train. 
The  strong  and  cumbrous  arms  the  valiant  wield, 
The  weaker  warrior  takes  a  lighter  shield. 
Thus  sheath'd  in  shining  brass,  in  bright  array 
The  legions  march,  and  Neptune  leads  the  way: 
His  brandish'd  falchion  flames  before  their  eyes, 
Like  lightning  flashing  through  the  frighted  skies. 
Clad  in  his  might,  the  earth-shaking  power  appears, 
Pale  mortals  tremble,  and  confess  tiieir  fears. 

Troy's  great  defender  stands  alone  unawed. 
Arms  his  proud  host,  and  dares  oppose  a  god: 
And  lo!  the  god,  and  wondrous  man,  appear; 
The  sea's  stern  ruler  there,  and  Hectoi'  here. 
The  roaring  main,  at  her  great  master's  call. 
Rose  in  huge  ranks,  and  forni'd  a  watery  wall 
Around  the  ships:  seas  hanging  o'er  the  shores, 
lioth  armies  joins,  earth  tiiunders,  ocean  roars. 
Not  half  so  loud  the  bellowing  deeps  resound, 
When  stormy  wiiuls  disclose  the  dark  profound: 
Less  loud  the  winds  that  from  the  yEolian  hall 
JJoar  through  the  woods,  and  make  whole  forests  fall; 
Less  loud  the  woods,  when  flames  in  torrents  pour, 
Catch  the  dry  mountain,  and  its  shades  devour: 
With  such  a  rage  the  meeting  hosts  are  driven. 
And  such  a  cianujr  shakes  the  sounding  heaven. 
Tlie  first  bold  javelin,  urged  by  Hector's  force, 
Direct  at  Ajax's  bosom  winged  its  rourso: 
l»ul  there  no  pass  the  crossing  bells  afTnid 
(One  braced  his  shield,  and  one  sustain'd  his  sword). 
Then  b,u;k  the  disappointe*!  Trojan  ijrcw. 
And  cursed  the  lance  that  unavailing  flew: 


343  THE  ILIAD. 

But  'scaped  not  Ajax;  his  tempestuous  hand 

A  ponderous  stone  upheaving  from  the  sand 

(Where  lieaps  laid  loose  beneath  the  warrior's  feet, 

Or  served  to  ballast,  or  to  prop  the  fleet), 

Toss'd  round  and  round,  the  missive  marble  flings; 

On  the  razed  shield  the  fallen  ruin  rings, 

Full  on  his  breast  and  throat  with  force  descends; 

Nor  deaden'd  there  its  giddy  fury  spends, 

But  whirling  on,  with  many  a  fiery  round, 

Smokes  in  the  dust,  and  ploughs  into  the  ground. 

As  when  the  bolt,  red-hissing  from  above, 

I)arts  on  the  consecrated  plant  of  Jove, 

The  mountain-oak  in  flaming  ruin  lies. 

Black  from  the  blow,  and  smokes  of  sulphur  rise: 

Stiff  with  amaze  the  pale  beholders  stand. 

And  own  the  terrors  of  the  almighty  hand! 

So  lies  great  Hector  prostrate  on  the  shore; 

His  slacken'd  hand  deserts  the  lance  it  bore; 

His  following  shield  the  fallen  chief  o'erspread; 

Beneath  his  helmet  dropp'd  his  fainting  head; 

His  load  of  armor,  sinking  to  the  ground, 

Clanks  on  the  field,  a  dead  aiid  hollow  sound. 

Loud  shouts  of  triumph  fill  the  crowded  plain; 

Greece  sees,  in  hope,  Troy's  great  defender  slain: 

All  spring  to  seize  him;  storms  of  arrows  fly. 

And  thicker  javelins  intercept  the  sky. 

In  vain  an  iron  tempest  hisses  round; 

He  lies  protected,  and,  without  a  wound.* 

Polydamas,  Agenor  the  divine, 

The  pious  warrior  of  Anchises'  line, 

And  each  bold  leader  of  the  Lycian  band, 

With  covering  shields  (a  friendly  circle)  stand. 

His  mournful  followers,  with  assistant  care. 

The  groaning  hero  to  his  chariot  bear; 

His  foaming  coursers,  swifter  than  the  wind. 

Speed  to  the  town,  and  leave  the  war  behind. 

When  now  they  touch'd  the  mead's  enamell'd  side, 
Where  gentle  Xanthus  rolls  his  easy  tide, 

*  He  lies  protected. 

"  Forth witli  on  all  sides  to  bis  aid  was  run, 
By  angels  many  and  strong,  ^^  Lo  interpos'd 
Defence,  while  others  bore  him  on  their  shields 
Back  to  his  chariot,  where  it  stood  retir'd 
From  off  tlie  files  of  war;  there  they  him  laid, 
Gnashing  for  anguish,  and  despite,  and  shame." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  vi.  335,  seq. 


TEE  ILIAD.  343 

With  watery  drops  the  chief  they  sprinkle  round. 
Placed  on  the  margin  of  the  flowery  ground. 
Eaised  on  his  knees,  li-e  now  ejects  the  gore; 
Now  faints  anew,  low-sinking  on  the  shore; 
By  tits  he  hreathes,  half  views  the  fleeting  skies, 
And  seals  again,  by  fits,  his  swimming  eyes. 

Soon  as  the  Greeks  the  chief's  retreat  beheld, 
With  double  fury  each  invades  the  field. 
Oilean  Ajax  first  his  javelin  sped. 
Pierced  by  whose  point  tbe  son  of  Enops  bled 
(Satnius  the  brave,  whom  beauteous  Nei's  bore 
Amidst  her  flocks  on  Satnio's  silver  shore); 
Struck  through  the  belly's  rim,  the  warrior  lies 
Supine,  and  shades  eternal  veil  his  eyes. 
An  arduous  battle  rose  around  the  dead; 
By  turns  the  Greeks,  by  turns  the  Trojans  bled. 

Fired  with  revenge,  Polydamas  drew  ne;ir, 
And  at  Prothoenor  shook  the  trembling  spear; 
The  driving  javelin  through  his  shoulder  thrust, 
He  sinks  to  earth,  and  grasps  tne  bloody  dust. 
"Lo  thus  (the  victor  cries)  we  rule  the  field. 
And  thus  their  arms  the  race  of  Panthus  wield: 
From  this  unerring  hand  there  flies  no  dart 
But  bathes  its  point  within  a  Grecian  heart. 
Propp'd  on  that  spear  to  which  thou  owest  thy  fall, 
Go,  guide  thy  darksome  steps  to  Pluto's  dreary  hall. 

He  said,  ami  sorrow  touch'd  each  Argive  breast; 
The  soul  of  Ajax  buru'd  above  the  rest. 
As  by  his  side  the  groaning  warrior  fell. 
At  the  fierce  foe  ho  launch'd  his  ])iercing  steel. 
The  foe,  reclining,  shunn'd  the  flying  death; 
IJnt  fate,  Archilochus,  demaiuls  thy  bi'oath : 
Thy  lofty  birth  no  succor  could  impart, 
Tlio  wings  of  death  o'ertook  tluio  on  the  dart; 
Swift  to  perform  lieaven's  fatal  will,  it  lied 
Full  on  the  juncture  of  the  neck  and  head, 
And  took  the  joint,  and  cut  the  nerves  in  twain; 
T'he  dropping  head  first  tuml)Ied  on  the  ])lain. 
So  just  the  stroke,  that  yet  the  body  stood 
Erect,  then  roll'd  along  the  sands  in  blood. 

"Here,  proud  Polydamas,  iiorc  turn  thy  eyes! 
(The  towering  Ajax  loud-insulting  eyes:) 
Say,  is  this  chief  extended  on  the  plain 
A  worthy  vengeanco  for  I'rothoMior  slain? 
Mark  well  his  port!   liis  figure  and  his  face. 


344  THE  ILIAD. 

Nor  speak  him  vulgar,  nor  of  vulgar  race; 

Some  lines,  methinks  may  make  his  lineage  known, 

Autenor's  brother,  or  perhaps  his  son." 

He  spake,  and  smiled  severe,  for  well  he  knew 
The  bleeding  youth:  Troy  sadden'd  at  the  view. 
But  furious  Acamas  avenged  his  cause; 
As  Promachus  his  slaughter'd  brother  draws, 
He  pierced  his  heart — "Such  fate  attends  yon  all, 
Proud  Argives!  destined  by  our  arms  to  fall. 
Not  Troy  alone,  but  haughty  Greece,  shall  share 
The  toils,  the  sorrows,  and  the  wounds  of  war. 
Behold  your  Promachus  deprived  of  breath, 
A  victim  owed  to  ray  brave  brother's  death. 
Not  unappeased  he  enters  Pluto's  gate. 
Who  leaves  a  brother  to  revenge  his  fate." 

Heart-piercing  anguish  struck  the  Grecian  host, 
Bat  touch'd  the  breast  of  bold  Peneleus  most; 
At  the  proud  boaster  he  directs  his  course; 
The  boaster  flies,  and  shuns  superior  force. 
But  young  Ilioneus  received  the  spear; 
Ilioneus,  his  father's  only  care 
(Phorbas  the  rich,  of  all  the  Trojan  train 
Whom  Hermes  loved,  and  taught  the  arts  of  gain): 
Full  in  his  eye  the  weapon  chanced  to  fall, 
And  from  the  fibres  scoop'd  the  rooted  ball, 
Drove  through  the  neck,  and  hurl'd  him  to  the  plain; 
He  lifts  his  miserable  arms  in  vain! 
Swift  his  broad  falchion  fierce  Peneleus  spread. 
And  from  the  spouting  shoulders  struck  his  head; 
To  earth  at  once  the  head  and  helmet  fly; 
The  lance,  yet  sticking  through  the  bleeding  eye. 
The  victor  seized;  and,  as  aloft  he  shook 
The  gory  visage,  thus  insulting  spoke: 

"Trojans!  your  great  Ilioneus  behold! 
Haste,  to  his  father  let  the  tale  be  told : 
Let  his  high  roofs  resound  with  frantic  woe, 
Such  as  the  house  of  Promachus  must  know; 
Let  doleful  tidings  greet  his  mother's  ear. 
Such  as  to  Promachus'  sad  spouse  we  bear, 
When  we  victorious  shall  to  Greece  return, 
And  the  pale  matron  in  our  triumphs  mourn." 

Dreadful  he  spoke,  then  toss'd  the  head  on  high; 
The  Trojans  hear,  they  tremble,  and  they  fly: 
Aghast  they  gaze  around  the  fleet  and  wall. 
And  dread  the  ruin  that  impends  on  all. 


THE  ILIAD.  345 

Daughters  of  Jove!  that  on  Olympus  shine, 
Ye  all-heholding,  all-recording  nine: 
0  say,  when  Neptune  made  proud  Ilion  yield, 
Wliat  chief,  wliat  hero  first  embrued  the  field? 
Of  all  the  Grecians  what  immortal  name, 
And  whose  bless'd  trophies,  will  ye  raise  to  fame? 

Thou  first,  great  Ajax!  on  the  ensanguined  plain 
Laid  Hyrtius,  leader  of  the  Mysian  train, 
Phalces  and  Mermer,  Nestor's  son  o'erthrew 
Bold  Merion,  Morys  and  Hippotion  slew. 
Strong  Periphffites  and  Prothoon  bled, 
By  Tencer's  arrows  mingled  with  the  dead, 
Pierced  in  the  flank  by  Menelaiis'  steel. 
His  people's  pastor,  ITyperenor  fell; 
Eternal  darkness  wrapp'd  the  warrior  round, 
And  the  fierce  soul  came  rushing  through  the  wound. 
But  stretch'd  in  heajis  before  Oi'leus'  son. 
Fall  mighty  numbers,  miglity  numbers  run; 
Ajax  the  less,  of  all  the  Grecian  race 
Skill'd  in  pursuit,  and  swiftest  in  the  chase. 


346  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  XV. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE   FIFTH   BATTLE    AT   THE     SHIPS;   AND   THE   ACTS   OF 

AJAX. 

Jupiter,  awaking,  sees  the  Trojans  repulsed  from  the  trenches. 
Hector  in  a  swoon,  and  Xeptuue  at  the  head  of  the  Greeks: 
he  is  highly  incensed  at  the  artifice  of  Juno,  who  appeases 
him  by  her  submissions;  she  is  then  sent  to  Iris  and  Apollo. 
Juno,  repairing  to  the  assembly  of  the  gods,  attempts,  with 
extraordinary  address,  to  incense  them  against  Jupiter;  in 
particular  she  touches  Mars  with  a  violent  resentment;  he  is 
ready  to  take  arms,  but  is  prevented  by  Minerva.  Iris  and 
Apollo  obey  the  orders  of  Jupiter;  Iris  commands  Neptune 
to  leave  the  battle,  to  which,  after  much  reluctance  and 
passion,  he  consents.  Apollo  reinspires  Hector  with  vigor, 
brings  him  back  to  the  battle,  marches  before  him  with  his 
aegis,  and  turns  the  fortune  of  the  fight.  He  breaks  down 
great  part  of  the  Grecian  wall;  the  Trojans  rush  in  and 
attempt  to  fire  the  first  line  of  the  fieet,  but  are,  as  yet,  re- 
pelled by  the  greater  Ajax  with  a  prodigious  slaughter. 

Now  in  swift  flight  they  pass  the  trench  profound, 
And  many  a  chief  lay  gasping  on  the  ground : 
Tlieu  stopp'd  and  panted,  where  the  chariots  lie, 
Fear  on  their  cheelv,  aud  horror  in  tlieir  eye. 
Meanwhile,  awaken'd  from  his  dream  of  love, 
On  Ida's  summit  sat  imperial  Jove: 
Round  the  wide  fields  he  cast  a  careful  view. 
There  saw  the  Trojans  fly,  the  Greeks  pursue; 
These  proud  in  arms,  those  scatter'd  o'er  the  plain, 
And,  'midst  the  war,  the  monarch  of  the  main. 
Not  far,  great  Hector  on  the  dust  he  spies 
(His  sad  associates  round  weeping  eyes). 
Ejecting  blood,  and  panting  yet  for  breath, 
His  senses  wandering  to  the  verge  of  death. 
The  god  beheld  him  with  a  pitying  look. 
And  thus,  incensed,  to  fraudful  Juno  spoke: 

"0  thou,  still  adverse  to  the  eternal  will. 
Forever  studious  in  promoting  ill! 


THE  ILIAD.  347 

Thy  arts  have  made  the  godlike  Hector  yield, 
And  driven  his  conquering  squadrons  from  the  field. 
Canst  thou,  unhappy  in  thy  wiles,  withstand 
Our  power  immense,  and  brave  the  almighty  hand? 
Hast  thou  forgot,  when,  bound  and  fix'd  on  high, 
From  the  vast  concave  of  the  spangled  sky, 
I  hung  thee  trembling  in  a  golden  chain. 
And  all  the  raging  gods  opposed  in  vain? 
Headlong  I  hurl'd  them  from  the  Olympian  hall, 
Stunn'd  in  the  whirl,  and  breathless  with  the  fall. 
For  godlike  Hercules  these  deeds  were  done, 
Nor  seera'd  the  vengeance  worthy  such  a  son: 
When,  by  thy  wiles  induced,  fierce  Boreas  toss'd 
The  shipwreck'd  hero  on  the  Coan  coast, 
Him  through  a  thousand  forms  of  death  1  bore, 
And  sent  to  Argos,  and  his  native  shore. 
Hear  this,  remember,  and  our  fury  dread, 
Nor  pull  the  unwilling  vengeance  on  thy  head; 
Lest  arts  and  blandishments  successless  prove, 
Thy  soft  deceits,  and  well-dissembled  love." 

The  Thunderer  spoke:  imperial  Juno  mourn'd, 
And,  trembling,  these  submissive  words  return'd: 

"By  every  oath  tiiat  powers  immortal  ties, 
The  foodful  eartli  and  all-infolding  skies; 
By  thy  black  waves,  tremendous  Styx!  that  flow 
Through  the  drear  realms  of  gliding  ghosts  below; 
By  the  dread  honors  of  thy  sacred  head. 
And  that  unbroken  vow,  our  virgin  bed! 
Not  by  my  arts  the  ruler  of  the  main 
Steeps  Troy  in  blood,  and  ranges  round  the  plain: 
By  his  own  ardor,  his  own  pity  sway'd. 
To  help  his  Greeks,  he  fought  and  disobey'd: 
pjlse  had  thy  Juno  better  counsels  given. 
And  taught  submission  to  the  sire  of  heaven." 

''Think'st  thou  with  me?  fair  oini)ress  uf  the  skies! 
(The  immortal  father  with  a  smile  replies;) 
Then  soon  the  haughty  sea-god  shall  obey. 
Nor  dare  to  act  but  when  we  [joint  the  way. 
If  truth  inspires  thy  tongue,  proclaim  our  will 
To  yon  bright  synod  on  the  Olymjiian  hill; 
Our  high  (Iffcreo  let  various  Iris  know. 
And  call  the  god  tliat  bears  the  silver  bow. 
Let  her  descend,  and  from  the  embattled  plain 
Command  the  sea-god  to  his  watery  reign: 


348  TEE  ILIAD. 

While  Phoebns  hastes  great  Hector  to  prepare 

To  rise  afresh,  and  once  more  wake  the  war: 

His  laboring  bosom  re-inspires  with  breath, 

And  calls  his  senses  from  the  verge  of  death. 

Greece  chased  by  Troy,  even  to  Achilles'  fleet, 

Shall  fall  by  thousands  at  the  hero's  feet. 

He,  not  untouch'd  with  pity,  to  the  plain 

Shall  send  Patroclns,  but  shall  send  in  vain. 

What  youths  he  slaughters  under  Ilion's  walls! 

Even  my  loved  son,  divine  Sarpedon  falls! 

Vanquish'd  at  last  by  Hector's  lance  he  lies. 

Then,  nor  till  then,  shall  great  Achilles  rise: 

And  lo!  that  instant,  godlike  Hector  dies. 

From  that  great  hour  the  war's  whole  fortune  turns, 

Pallas  assists,  and  lofty  Ilion  burns. 

Not  till  that  day  shall  Jove  relax  his  rage. 

Nor  one  of  all  the  heavenly  host  engage 

In  aid  of  Greece.     The  promise  of  a  god 

I  gave,  and  seal'd  it  with  the  almighty  nod, 

Achilles'  glory  to  the  stars  to  raise; 

Such  was  our  word,  and  fate  the  word  obeys." 

The  trembling  queen  (the  almighty  order  given) 
Swift  from  the  Idasan  summit  shot  to  heaven. 
As  some  wayfaring  man,  who  wanders  o'er 
In  thought  a  length  of  lands  he  trod  before. 
Sends  forth  his  active  mind  from  place  to  place. 
Joins  hill  to  dale,  and  measures  space  with  space: 
So  swift  flew  Juno  to  the  bless'd  abodes. 
If  thought  of  man  can  match  the  speed  of  gods. 
There  safthe  powers  in  awful  synod  placed; 
They  bow'd,  and  made  obeisance  as  she  pass'd 
Through  all  the  brazen  dome:*  with  goblets  crown'd 
They  hail  her  queen;  the  nectar  streams  around. 
Fair  Themis  first  presents  the  golden  bowl. 
And  anxious  asks  what  cares  disturb  her  soul? 

To  whom  the  white-arm'd  goddess  thus  replies: 
"Enough  thou  know'st  the  tyrant  of  the  skies. 
Severely  bent  his  purpose  to  fulfill, 
Unmoved  his  mind,  and  unrestrain'd  his  will. 
Go  thou,  the  feasts  of  heaven  attend  thy  call; 
Kid  the  crown'd  nectar  circle  round  the  hall: 
But  Jove  shall  thunder  through  the  ethereal  dome 
Such  stern  decrees,  such  threaten 'd  woes  to  come, 

*  The  brazen  dome.     See  the  note  ou  Bk,  viii.  p.  142. 


1 


TEE  ILIAD.  349 

As  soon  shall  freeze  maiikiud  with  dire  surprise, 
And  damp  the  eternal  banquets  of  the  skies." 

The  goddess  said,  and  sullen  took  her  place; 
Black  horror  sadden'd  each  celestial  face. 
To  see  the  gathering  grudge  in  every  breast, 
Smiles  on  her  lips  a  spleenful  joy  express'd; 
While  on  her  wrinkled  front,  and  eyebrow  bent, 
Sad  steadfast  care,  and  lowering  discontent. 
Tiius  she  proceeds — "Attend,  ye  powers  above! 
But  know,  'tis  madness  to  contest  with  Jove: 
Supreme  he  sits;  and  sees,  in  pride  of  sway. 
Your  vassal  godheads  grudgingly  obey: 
Fierce  in  the  majesty  of  power  controls; 
Shakes  all  the  thrones  of  heaven,  and  bends  the  poles. 
Submiss,  immortals!  all  he  wills,  obey: 
And  thou,  great  Mars,  begin  and  show  the  way. 
Behold  Ascalaplius!  behold  him  die. 
But  dare  not  murmur,  dare  not  vent  a  sigh; 
Thy  own  loved  boasted  offspring  lies  o'erthrown, 
If  that  loved  boasted  offspring  be  thy  own," 

Stern  Mars,  with  anguish  for  his  slaughter'd  son, 
Smote  his  rebelling  breast,  and  fierce  begun: 
"Thus  then,  immortals!  thus  shall  Mars  obey; 
Forgive  me,  gods,  and  yield  my  vengeance  way; 
Descending  first  to  yon  forbidden  plain. 
The  god  of  battles  dares  avenge  the  slain; 
Dares,  though  the  thunder  bursting  o'er  my  head 
Should  hurl  me  blazing  on  those  heaps  of  dead." 

With  tiiat  he  gives  conimaiul  to  Fear  and  Flight 
To  join  his  rapid  coursers  for  the  fight: 
Then  grim  in  ai'ms,  with  hasty  vengeance  flies; 
Arms  that  reflect  a  radiance  through  the  skies. 
And  now  had  Jove,  by  bold  rebellion  driven, 
Discharged  his  wrath  on  half  the  host  of  heaven; 
But  Pallas,  springing  through  the  bright  abode, 
Starts  from  her  azure  throne  to  calm  the  god. 
Struck  for  the  immortal  race  with  timely  fear, 
From  frantic  Mars  she  nnatfli'd  the  siiidd  and  spear: 
'J'lion  the  huge  helmet  lifting  from  his  head. 
Thus  to  the  impetuous  homicide  she  said: 

"By  what  wild  passion,  furious!  art  tliou  toss'd? 
Striv'st  thou  with  Jove?  thou  art  already  lost. 
Shall  not  the  Thunderer's  dread  comnumd  restrain, 
And  was  irnjierial  .Juno  heard  in  vain? 
Back  to  the  skies  wouldst  thou  with  shame  be  driven. 


350  THE  ILIAD. 

And  in  thy  guilt  involve  the  host  of  heaven? 
Ilion  and  Greece  no  more  should  Jove  engage, 
The  skies  would  yield  an  ampler  scene  of  rage; 
Guilty  and  guiltless  find  an  equal  fate 
And  one  vast  ruin  Avhelm  the  Olympian  state. 
Cease  then  thy  offspring's  death  unjust  to  call; 
Heroes  as  great  have  died,  and  yet  shall  fall. 
Why  should  heaven's  law  with  foolish  man  comply, 
Exempted  from  the  race  ordain'd  to  die?" 

This  menace  fix'd  the  warrior  to  his  throne; 
Sullen  he  sat,  and  curb'd  the  rising  groan. 
Then  Juno  call'd  (Jove's  orders  to  obey) 
The  winged  Iris,  and  the  god  of  day. 
"Go  wait  the  Thunderer's  will  (Saturnia  cried) 
On  yon  tall  summit  of  the  fountful  Ide: 
There  in  the  father's  awful  presence  stand, 
Receive,  and  execute  his  dread  command." 

She  said,  and  sat;  the  god  that  gilds  the  day, 
And  various  Iris,  wing  their  airy  way. 
Swift  as  the  wind,  to  Ida's  hills  they  came 
(Fair  nurse  of  fountains,  and  of  savage  game), 
There  sat  the  eternal;  he  whoso  nod  controls 
The  trembling  world,  and  shakes  the  steady  poles. 
Veil'd  in  a  mist  of  fragrance  him  they  found, 
AVith  clouds  of  gold  and  pur2)]e  circled  round. 
Well-pleased  the  Thunderer  saw  their  earnest  care, 
And  prompt  obedience  to  the  queen  of  air; 
Then  (while  a  smile  serenes  his  awful  brow) 
Commands  the  goddess  of  the  showery  bow: 

"Iris!  descend,  and  what  we  here  ordain, 
Eeport  to  yon  mad  tyrant  of  the  main. 
Bid  him  from  fight  to  his  own  deeps  repair. 
Or  breathe  from  slaughter  in  the  fields  of  air. 
If  he  refuse,  then  let  him  timely  weigh 
Our  elder  birthright,  and  superior  sway. 
How  shall  his  rashness  stand  the  dire  alarms. 
If  heaven's  omnipotence  descend  in  arms? 
Strives  he  with  me,  by  whom  his  power  was  given, 
And  is  there  equal  to  the  lord  of  heaven?" 

The  all-mighty  spoke;  the  goddess  wing'd  her  flight 
To  sacred  Ilion  from  the  Idasan  height. 
Swift  as  the  rattling  hail,  or  fleecy  snows, 
Drive  through  the  skies,  when  Boreas  fiercely  blows; 
So  from  the  clouds  descending  Iris  falls, 
And  to  blue  Neptune  thus  the  goddess  calls: 


TEE  ILIAD.  361 

"Attend  the  mandate  of  the  sire  above! 
In  me  behold  the  messenger  of  Jove: 
He  bids  thee  from  forbidden  wars  repair 
To  thine  own  deeps,  or  to  the  fields  of  air. 
This  if  refused,  he  bids  thee  timely  weigh 
His  elder  birthright,  and  superior  sway. 
How  shall  thy  rashness  stand  the  dire  alarms 
If  heaven's  omnipotence  descend  in  arms? 
Striv'st  thou  with  him  by  whom  all  power  is  given? 
And  art  thou  equal  to  the  lord  of  heaven?" 

"What  means  the  haughty  sovereign  of  the  skies? 
(The  king  of  ocean  thus,  incensed,  replies) 
Kule  as  he  will  his  portion'd  realms  on  high; 
No  vassal  god,  nor  of  his  train,  am  I. 
Three  brother  deities  from  Saturn  came, 
And  ancient  Rhea,  earth's  immortal  dame; 
Assign'd  by  lot,  onr  triple  rule  we  know; 
Infernal  Phito  sways  the  shades  beloM'; 
O'er  the  wide  clouds,  and  o'er  the  starry  plain, 
Ethereal  Jove  extends  his  high  domain; 
My  court  beneath  the  hoary  waves  I  keep, 
And  hush  the  roarings  of  tlie  sacred  deep; 
Olympus,  and  this  earth,  in  common  lie: 
What  claim  has  here  the  tyrant  of  the  sky? 
Far  in  the  distant  clouds  let  him  control, 
And  awe  the  younger  brothers  of  the  pole; 
There  to  his  children  his  commands  be  given. 
The  trembling,  servile,  second  race  of  heaven." 

"And  must  I  then  (said  she),  0  sire  of  floods! 
Bear  this  fierce  answer  to  the  king  of  gods? 
Correct  it  yet,  ami  change  thy  rash  intent; 
A  noble  mind  disdains  not  to  repent. 
To  elder  brothers  guardian  fiends  are  given, 
To  scourge  the  wretch  insulting  them  and  heaven." 

"Great  is  the  profit  (thus  the  god  rejoin'd) 
When  ministers  are  blest  with  i)rudent  mind: 
Warn'd  by  thy  words,  to  powerful  Jove  I  yield. 
And  quit,  though  angry,  tlie  contended  field: 
Not  but  his  threats  with  justice  I  disclaim. 
The  same  our  honors,  and  our  birth  the  same. 
If  yet,  forgetful  of  his  promise  given 
To  Hermes,  Pallas,  an<l  the  queen  of  heaven, 
To  favor  Uion,  that  perfidious  phice, 
He  breaks  iiis  faith  with  half  tlie  ethereal  race; 
Give  him  to  know,  unless  tlie  Grecian  train 


353  THE  ILIAD. 

Lay  yon  proud  strnctnres  level  with  the  plaiu, 
Howe'er  the  offence  by  other  gods  be  pass'd, 
The  wrath  of  Neptune  shall  forever  last." 

Thus  speaking,  furious  from  the  field  he  strode, 
And  plunged  into  the  bosom  of  the  flood. 
The  lord  of  thunders,  from  his  lofty  height 
Beheld,  and  thus  bespoke  the  source  of  light: 

"Behold!  the  god  whose  liquid  arms  are  hurl'd 
Around  the  globe,  whose  earthquakes  rock  the  world, 
Desists  at  length  his  rebel-war  to  wage, 
Seeks  his  own  seas,  and  trembles  at  our  rage; 
Else  had  my  wrath,  heaven's  thrones  all  shaking  round, 
Burn'd  to  the  bottom  of  his  seas  profound; 
And  all  the  gods  that  round  old  Saturn  dwell 
Had  heard  the  thunders  to  the  deeps  of  hell. 
Well  was  the  crime,  and  well  the  vengeance  spared; 
Even  power  immense  had  found  such  battle  hard. 
Go  thou,  my  son!  the  trembling  Greeks  alarm, 
Shake  my  broad  ffigis  on  thy  active  arm, 
Be  godlike  Hector  thy  peculiar  care. 
Swell  his  bold  heart,  and  urge  his  strength  to  war: 
Let  Ilion  conquer,  till  the  Achaian  train 
Fly  to  their  ships  and  Hellespont  again: 
Then  Greece  shall  breathe  from  toils."  The  godhead 

said. 
His  will  divine  the  son  of  Jove  obey'd. 
Not  half  so  swift  the  sailiiig  falcon  flies. 
That  drives  a  turtle  through  the  liquid  skies. 
As  Phoebus,  shooting  from  the  Idtean  brow, 
Glides  down  the  mountain  to  the  plain  below. 
There  Hector  seated  by  the  stream  he  sees, 
His  sense  returning  with  the  coming  breeze; 
Again  his  pulses  beat,  his  spirits  rise; 
Again  his  loved  companions  meet  his  eyes; 
Jove  thinking  of  his  pains,  they  pass'd  away. 
To  whom  the  god  who  gives  the  golden  day: 

"Why  sits  great  Hector  from  the  field  so  far? 
What  grief,  what  wound,  withholds  thee  from  the  war? 

The  fainting  hero,  as  the  vision  bright 
Stood  shining  o'er  him,  half  unseal'd  his  sight: 

"What  blest  immortal,  with  commanding  breath. 
Thus  wakens  Hector  from  the  sleep  of  death? 
Has  fame  not  told,  how,  while  my  trusty  sword 
Bathed  Greece  in  slaughter,  and  her  battle  gored, 
The  mighty  Ajax  with  a  deadly  blow 


THE  ILIAD.  353 

Had  almost  sunk  me  to  the  shades  below? 
Even  yet,  methinks,  the  gliding  ghosts  I  spy, 
And  hell's  black  horrors  swim  before  my  eye." 

To  him  Apollo:  "Be  no  more  dismay'd; 
See,  and  be  strong!  the  Thunderer  sends  thee  aid- 
Behold!  thy  Phoebus  shall  his  arms  employ, 
Phoebus,  propitious  still  to  thee  and  Troy. 
Inspire  thy  warriors  then  with  manly  force, 
And  to  the  ships  impel  thy  rapid  horse: 
Even  I  will  make  thy  fiery  coursers  way, 
And  drive  the  Grecians  headlong  to  the  sea.'' 

Thus  to  bold  Hector  spoke  the  son  of  Jove, 
And  breathed  immortal  ardor  from  above. 
As  when  the  pamper'd  steed,  with  reins  unbound. 
Breaks  from  his  stall,  and  pours  along  the  ground; 
With  ample  strokes  he  rushes  to  the  Hood, 
To  bathe  his  sides,  and  cool  his  fiery  blood; 
His  head,  now  freed,  he  tosses  to  the  skies; 
His  mane  dishevell'd  o'er  his  shoulders  flies; 
He  snuffs  the  females  in  the  well-known  plain. 
And  springs,  exulting,  to  his  fields  again: 
Urged  by  the  voice  divine,  thus  Hector  flew. 
Full  of  the  god;  and  all  his  hosts  pursue. 
As  when  the  force  of  men  and  dogs  combined 
Invade  the  mountain  goat,  or  branching  hind; 
Far  from  the  hunter's  range  secure  they  lie. 
Close  in  the  rock  (not  fated  yet  to  die), 
"When  lol  a  lion  shoots  across  the  way! 
They  fly:  at  once  the  chasers  and  the  prey. 
So  Greece,  tlitit  late  in  conquering  troops  pursued, 
And  mark'd  their  progress  through  the  ranks  in  blood, 
Soon  as  they  see  the  furious  chief  appear, 
Forget  to  vanquish,  and  consent  to  fear. 

Thoiis  with  grief  observed  his  dreadful  course, 
Thoilri,  the  bravest  of  the  /Etolian  force; 
Skill'd  to  direct  the  javelin's  distant  flight. 
And  bold  to  combat  in  the  staiuling  (iglit. 
Not  UKjre  in  councils  famed  for  solid  sense, 
Than  winning  words  and  heavenly  eloquence. 
"Gods!  what  portent  (he  cried)  these  eyes  invades? 
Lol  Hector  rises  from  the  Stygian  shades! 
We  saw  him,  late,  by  thundering  Ajax  kill'd: 
What  god  restores  hini  to  the  frighted  field; 
And  not  content  that  half  of  Greece  lie  slain, 
Pours  new  destriiclion  on  her  sons  again? 


354  THE  ILIAD. 

He  comes  not,  Jove!  without  thy  powerful  will; 
Lo!  still  he  lives,  pursues,  and  conquers  still! 
Yet  hear  my  counsel,  and  his  worst  withstand: 
The  Greeks'  main  body  to  the  fleet  command; 
But  let  the  few  whom  brisker  spirits  warm, 
Stand  the  first  onset,  and  provoke  the  storm. 
Thus  point  your  arms:  and  when  such  foes  appear, 
Fierce  as  he  is,  let  Hector  learn  to  fear." 

The  warrior  spoke;  the  listening  Greeks  obey, 
Thickening  their  ranks,  and  form  a  deep  array. 

Each  Ajax,  Teucer,  Merion  gave  command, 
The  valiant  leader  of  the  Cretan  band; 
And  Mars-like  Meges:  these  the  chiefs  excite, 
Approach  the  foe,  and  meet  the  coming  fight. 
Behind,  unnuraber'd  multitudes  attend. 
To  flank  the  navy,  and  the  shores  defend. 
Full  on  the  front  the  pressing  Trojans  bear, 
And  Hector  first  came  towering  to  the  war. 
Phoebus  himself  the  rushing  battle  led; 
A  veil  of  clouds  involved  his  radiant  head: 
High  held  before  him,  Jove's  enormous  shield 
Portentous  shone,  and  shaded  all  the  field; 
Vulcan  to  Jove  the  immortal  gift  consign'd, 
To  scatter  hosts  and  terrify  mankind. 
The  Greeks  expect  the  shock,  the  clamors  rise 
From  different  parts,  and  mingle  in  the  skies. 
Dire  was  the  hiss  of  darts,  by  heroes  flung, 
And  arrows  leaping  from  the  bowstring  sung; 
These  drink  the  life  of  generous  warriors  slain: 
Those  guiltless  fall,  and  thirst  for  blood  in  vain. 
As  long  as  Phoebus  bore  unmoved  the  shield. 
Sat  doubtful  conquest  hovering  o'er  the  field; 
But  when  aloft  he  shakes  it  in  the  skies. 
Shouts  in  their  ears,  and  lightens  in  their  eyes. 
Deep  horror  seizes  every  Grecian  breast. 
Their  force  is  humbled,  and  their  fear  confess'd. 
So  flies  a  herd  of  oxen,  scatter'd  wide. 
No  swain  to  guard  them,  and  no  day  to  guide. 
When  two  fell  lions  from  the  mountain  came, 
And  spread  the  carnage  through  the  shady  gloom. 
Impending  Phoebus  pours  around  them  fear. 
And  Troy  and  Hector  thunder  in  the  rear. 
Heaps  fall  on  heaps:  the  slaughter  Hectoreads, 
First  great  Arcesilas,  then  Stichius  bleeds; 
One  to  the  bold  Boeotians  ever  dear, 


THE  ILIAD.  355 

And  one  Meuestheus'  friend  and  famed  compeer. 

Medon  and  liisus,  ^-Eneas  spedj 

This  sprang  from  Phelus,  and  the  Athenians  led; 

But  hapless  Medon  from  Oileus  came; 

Him  Ajax  honor'd  with  a  brother's  name, 

Though  born  of  lawless  love:  from  home  expell'd, 

A  banish'd  man,  in  Phylace  he  dwell'd, 

Press'd  by  the  vengeance  of  an  angry  wife; 

Troy  ends  at  last  his  labors  and  his  life. 

Mecystes  next  Polydamas  o'erthrew; 

And  thee,  brave  Olonius,  great  Agenor  slew. 

By  Paris,  Deiochns  inglorious  dies. 

Pierced  through  the  shoulder  as  he  basely  flies. 

Polites'  arm  laid  Echius  on  the  plain; 

Stretch'd  on  one  heap,  the  victors  spoil  the  slain. 

The  Greeks  dismay'd,  confused,  disperse  or  fall, 

Some  seek  the  trench,  some  skulk  behind  the  wall. 

While  these  fly  trembling,  others  pant  for  breath, 

And  o'er  the  slaughter  stalks  gigantic  death. 

On  rush'd  bold  Hector,  gloomy  as  the  niglit; 

Forbids  to  plunder,  animates  the  fight. 

Points  to  the  fleet:  "For,  by  the  gods!  who  flies,* 

Who  dares  but  linger,  by  his  hand  he  dies; 

No  weeping  sister  his  cold  eye  shall  close. 

No  friendly  hand  his  funeral  pyre  compose. 

Wlio  stops  to  plunder  at  this  signal  hour, 

Tlie  birds  shall  tear  him,  and  the  dogs  devour." 

Furious  he  said;  the  smarting  scourge  resounds; 

The  coursers  fly;  the  smoking  chariot  bounds; 

Tlie  hosts  rush  on;  loud  clamors  shake  the  shore; 

The  horses  thunder,  earth  and  ocean  roar! 

Apollo,  planted  at  the  trench's  bound, 

Push'fj  at  the  bank:  down  sank  the  enormons  mound: 

Koll'd  in  the  ditch  the  heapy  ruin  lay; 

A  sudden  road  I  a  long  anil  ample  way. 

O'er  the  dread  fosse  (a  late  impervious  space) 

f  For,  hij  the  f/od»f  who  flies.  Observe  the  bold  ellipsis  of  "be 
cries,"  and  tlio  transition  from  tbe  direct  to  tbe  oblique  construc- 
tion.    So  in  .Milton: 

"  Tbus  at  their  sbady  lodge  arriv'd,  both  stood, 
Both  turn'd,  and  und<T  open  sky  ador'd 
The  (Jod  that  made  Ijoth  sky,  air,  earth,  and  heaven, 
Which  they  belield,  the  moon's  re.sj)ien(lent  globe. 
And  starry  i)ole. — Thou  also  niad'st  the  niglit. 
Maker  omnipotent,  and  thou  tiie  day." 

— .Milton,  "  Paradise  Lost,"  Book  iv. 


356  THE  ILTAD. 

Now  steeds,  and  men,  and  cars  tumultuous  pass. 
The  wondering  crowds  the  downward  level  trod; 
Before  them  flamed  the  shield,  and  march'd  the  god. 
Then  with  his  hand  he  shook  the  mighty  wall; 
And  lo!  the  turrets  nod,  the  bulwarks  fall: 
Easy  as  when  ashore  an  infant  stands, 
And  draws  imagined  houses  in  the  sands; 
The  sportive  wanton,  pleased  with  some  new  play, 
Sweeps  the  slight  works  and  fashion'd  domes  away: 
Thus  vanish'd  at  thy  touch,  the  towers  and  walls; 
The  toil  of  thousands  in  a  moment  falls. 

The  Grecians  gaze  around  with  wild  despair, 
Confused,  and  weary  ail  the  powers  with  prjiyer: 
Exhort  their  men,  with  praises,  threats,  commands; 
And  urge  the  gods,  with  voices,  eyes,  and  hands. 
Experienced  Nestor  chief  obtests  the  skies. 
And  weeps  his  country  with  a  father's  eyes. 

"0  Jove!  if  ever,  ou  his  native  shore. 
One  Greek  enrich'd  thy  shrine  with  otferM  gore; 
If  e'er,  in  hope  our  country  to  behold. 
We  paid  the  fattest  firstlings  of  the  fold; 
If  e'er  thou  sign'st  our  wishes  with  thy  nod: 
Perform  the  promise  of  a  gracious  god! 
This  day  preserve  our  navies  from  the  flame, 
And  save  the  relics  of  the  Grecian  name." 

Thus  prayed  the  sage:  the  eternal  gave  consent, 
And  peals  of  thunder  shook  the  firmament. 
Presumptuous  Troy  mistook  the  accepting  sign, 
And  catch'd  new  fury  at  the  voice  divine. 
As,  when  black  tempests  mix  the  seas  and  skies, 
The  roaring  deeps  in  watery  mountains  rise, 
Above  the  sides  of  some  tall  ship  ascend. 
Its  womb  they  deluge,  and  its  ribs  they  rend: 
Thus  loudly  roaring,  and  o'erpowering  all, 
Mount  the  thick  Trojans  up  the  Grecian  wall; 
Legions  on  legions  from  each  side  arise: 
Thick  sound  the  keels;  the  storm  of  arrows  flies. 
Fierce  on  the  ships  above,  the  cars  below. 
These  wield  the  mace,  and  those  the  javelin  throw. 

While  thus  the  thunder  of  the  battle  raged. 
And  laboring  armies  round  the  works  engaged, 
Still  in  the  tent  Patroclus  sat  to  tend 
The  good  Eurypylus,  his  wounded  friend. 
He  sprinkles  healing  balms,  to  anguish  kind. 
And  adds  discourse,  the  medicine  of  the  mind. 


IHE  ILIAD.  357 

But  when  lie  saw,  ascending  np  the  fleet, 
Victorious  Troy;  then,  starting  from  his  seat, 
With  bitter  groans  his  sorrows  he  espress'd. 
He  wrings  his  hands,  he  beats  his  manly  breast. 
"Though  yet  thy  state  require  redress  (he  cries) 
Depart  I  must:  what  horrors  strike  my  eyes! 
Charged  with  Achilles'  high  command  I  go, 
A  mournful  witness  of  this  scone  of  woe; 
I  haste  to  urge  him  by  his  country's  care 
To  rise  in  arms,  and  shine  again  in  war. 
Perhaps  some  favoring  god  his  soul  may  bend ; 
The  voice  is  powerful  of  a  faithful  friend." 

He  spoke;  and,  speaking,  swifter  than  the  wind 
Sprung  from  the  tent,  and  left  the  war  behind. 
The  embodied  Greeks  the  fierce  attack  sustain, 
But  strive,  though  numerous,  to  repulse  in  vain: 
Nor  could  the  Trojans,  through  that  firm  array. 
Force  to  the  fleet  and  tents  the  impervious  way. 
As  when  a  shipwright,  with  Palladian  art. 
Smooths  the  rough  wood,  and  levels  every  part; 
With  equal  hand  he  guides  his  whole  design. 
By  the  just  rule,  and  the  directing  line: 
The  martial  leaders,  with  like  skill  and  care. 
Preserved  their  line,  and  equal  kept  the  war. 
Brave  deeds  of  arms  through  all  the  ranks  were  tried, 
And  every  shij)  sustained  an  equal  tide. 
At  one  proud  bark,  high-towering  o'er  the  fleet, 
Ajax  the  great,  and  godlike  Hector  meet; 
For  one  bright  prize  the  matchless  chiefs  contend, 
Nor  this  the  ships  can  fire,  nor  that  defend: 
One  kept  the  shore,  and  one  the  vessel  trod; 
That  fix'd  as  fate,  this  acted  by  a  god. 
The  son  of  C'lytius  in  his  daring  hand, 
The  deck  approaching,  shakes  a  flaming  brand, 
P)ut,  pierced  by  'j'elamon's  huge  lance,  expires: 
'i'hundering  he  falls,  and  drops  the  extinguish'd  fires. 
Great  Hector  view'd  him  witii  a  sad  survey. 
As  stretch'd  in  dust  before  the  stern  he  lav. 
"Oh!  all  of  Trojan,  all  of  Lycian  race! 
Stand  to  your  arms,  maintain  tliis  arduous  space: 
Lo!  where  the  son  of  royal  Clytius  lies; 
Ah,  save  his  arms,  scMMiro  his  obsequiesl" 

This  said,  his  eager  javelin  souglit  the  foe: 
But  Ajax  shnnn'd  the  meditated  blow. 
Not  vainly  yet  the  forceful  lance  was  thrown; 


358  THE  ILIAD. 

Jt  stretch'd  iu  dust  unhappy  Lycophron: 
An  exile  long,  sustain'd  at  Ajax's  board, 
A  faithful  servant  to  a  foreign  lord; 
In  peace,  and  war,  for  ever  at  his  side, 
Near  his  loved  master,  as  he  lived,  he  died. 
From  the  high  poop  he  tumbles  on  the  sand, 
And  lies  a  lifeless  load  along  the  land. 
With  anguish  Ajax  views  the  piercing  sight, 
And  thus  inflames  his  brother  to  the  fight: 

"Teucer,  behold!  extended  on  the  shore, 
Our  friend,  our  loved  companion!  now  no  more! 
Dear  as  a  parent,  with  a  parent's  care 
To  fight  our  wars  he  left  his  native  air. 
This  death  deplored,  to  Hector's  rage  we  owe; 
Eevenge,  revenge  it  on  the  cruel  foe. 
Where  are  those  darts  on  which  the  fates  attend? 
And  where  the  bow  which  Phoebus  taught  to  bend?" 

Impatient  Teucer,  hastening  to  his  aid, 
Before  the  chief  his  ample  bow  display'd; 
The  well-stored  quiver  on  his  shoulders  hung: 
Tlien  hiss'd  his  arrow,  and  the  bowstring  sung. 
Clytus,  Pisenor's  son,  reuown'd  in  fame 
(To  thee,  Polydamas!  an  honor'd  name), 
Drove  through  the  thickest  of  the  embattled  plains 
The  startling  steeds,  and  shook  his  eager  reins. 
As  all  on  glory  ran  his  ardent  mind. 
The  pointed  death  arrests  him  from  behind: 
Through  his  fair  neck  the  thrilling  arrow  flies; 
In  youth's  first  bloom  reluctantly  he  dies. 
Hurl'd  from  the  lofty  seat,  at  distance  far, 
The  headlong  coursers  spurn  his  empty  car; 
Till  sad  Polydamas  the  steeds  restrain'd, 
And  gave,  Astynous,  to  thy  careful  hand; 
Then,  fired  to  vengeance,  rush'd  amidst  the  foe: 
Rage  edged  his  sword,  and  strengthen'd  every  blow. 

Once  more  bold  Teucer,  in  his  country's  cause, 
At  Hector's  breast  a  chosen  arrow  draws: 
And  had  the  weapon  found  the  destined  way. 
Thy  fall,  great  Trojan!  had  renown'd  that  day. 
But  Hector  was  not  doom'd  to  perish  then: 
The  all-wise  disposer  of  the  fates  of  men 
(Imperial  -Jove)  his  present  death  withstands; 
Nor  was  such  glory  due  to  Teucer's  hands. 
At  its  full  stretch  as  the  tough  string  he  drew, 
Struck  by  an  arm  unseen,  it  burst  iu  two; 


f 


THE  ILIAD.  359 

Down  dropp'd  the  bow:  the  shaft  with  brazen  bead 
Fell  innocent,  and  on  the  dust  lay  dead. 
Tlie  astonish'd  archer  to  great  Ajax  cries: 
''Some  god  prevents  onr  destined  enterprise: 
Some  god,  propitious  to  the  Trojan  foe. 
Has,  from  my  arm  unfailing,  struck  the  bow, 
And  broke  the  nerve  my  hands  had  twined  with  art, 
Strong  to  impel  the  flight  of -many  a  dart." 

"Since  heaven  commands  it  (Ajax  made  reply) 
Dismiss  the  bow,  and  lay  thy  arrows  by: 
Thy  arms  no  less  suffice  the  lance  to  wield, 
And  quit  the  quiver  for  the  ponderous  shield. 
In  the  first  ranks  indulge  thy  thirst  of  fame, 
Thy  brave  example  shall  the  rest  inflame. 
Fierce  as  they  are,  by  long  successes  vain; 
To  force  our  fleet,  or  even  a  ship  to  gain, 
Asks  toil,  and  sweat,  and  blood:  their  utmost  might 
Shall  find  its  match — No  more:  'tis  ours  to  fight." 

Then  Teucer  laid  his  faithless  bow  aside; 
The  fourfold  buckler  o'er  his  shoulder  tied; 
On  his  brave  head  a  crested  helm  he  placed. 
With  nodding  horse-hair  formidably  graced; 
A  dart,  whose  point  with  brass  refulgent  shines. 
The  warrior  wields;  and  his  great  brother  joins. 

This  Hector  saw,  and  thus  express'd  his  joy: 
"Ye  troops  of  Lycia,  Dardanus,  and  Troy! 
Be  mindful  of  yourselves,  your  ancient  fame. 
And  spread  your  glory  with  the  navy's  flame. 
Jove  is  with  us;  1  saw  his  hand,  but  npw, 
From  the  proud  archer  strike  his  vaunted  bow: 
Indulgent  Jove!  how  plain  thy  favors  shine, 
When  happy  nations  bear  the  marks  divine! 
\h)\v  easy  then,  to  see  the  sinking  state 
Of  realms  accursed,  deserted,  re[)robate! 
Such  is  the  fate  of  Greece,  and  such  is  ours: 
Jiehold,  ye  warriors,  and  exert  your  jiowors. 
Death  is  the  worst;  a  fate  which  all  must  try; 
And  for  our  country,  'tis  a  bliss  to  die. 
The  gallant  man,  though  slain  in  fight  he  bo,   . 
Yet  leaves  his  nation  safe,  his  children  free; 
Entails  a  deljt  on  all  the  grateful  state; 
His  own  brave  friends  shall  glory  in  his  fate; 
His  wife  live  honor'd,  all  his  race  succeed, 
And  late  posterity  enj<jy  the  deed!" 


360  THE  ILIAD. 

This  roused  the  soul  in  every  Trojan  breast: 
The  godlike  Ajax  next  his  Greeks  address'd: 

"How  long,  3^e  warriors  of  the  Argive  race, 
(To  generous  Argos  what  a  dire  disgrace!) 
How  long  on  these  cursed  confines  will  ye  lie, 
Yet  undetermined,  or  to  live  or  die? 
What  hopes  remain,  what  methods  to  retire, 
If  once  your  vessels  catch  the  Trojan  fire? 
Mark  how  the  flames  approach,  how  near  they  fail, 
How  Hector  calls,  and  Troy  obeys  his  call! 
Not  to  the  dance  that  dreadful  voice  invites, 
It  calls  to  death,  and  all  the  rage  of  fights. 
'Tis  now  no  time  for  wisdom  or  debates; 
To  your  own  hands  are  trusted  all  your  fates; 
And  better  far  in  one  decisive  strife. 
One  day  should  end  our  labor  or  our  life. 
Than  keep  this  hard-got  inch  of  barren  sands, 
Still  press'd,  and  press'd  by  such  inglorious  hands." 

The  listening  Grecians  feel  their  leader's  flame, 
And  every  kindling  bosom  pants  for  fame. 
Then  mutual  slaughters  spread  on  either  side; 
By  Hector  here  the  Phocian  Schedius  died; 
There,  pierced  by  Ajax,  sunk  Laodamas, 
Chief  of  the  foot,  of  old  Antenor's  race. 
Polydamas  laid  Otus  on  the  sand. 
The  fierce  commander  of  the  Epeian  band. 
His  lance  bold  Meges  at  the  victor  threw; 
The  victor,  stooping,  from  the  death  withdrew 
(That  valued  life,  0  Phoebus!  was  thy  care). 
But  Croesmus'  bosom  took  the  flying  spear: 
His  corpse  fell  bleeding  on  the  slippery  shore; 
His  radiant  arms  triumphant  Meges  bore. 
Dolops,  the  son  of  Lampus,  rushes  on. 
Sprung  from  the  race  of  old  Laomedon, 
And  famed  for  prowess  in  a  well-fought  field. 
He  pierced  the  centre  of  his  sounding  shield: 
But  Meges,  Phyleus'  ample  breastplate  wore, 
(Well-known  in  fight  on  Selle's  winding  shore; 
For  king  Enphetes  gave  the  golden  mail. 
Compact,  and  firm  with  many  a  jointed  scale) 
Which  oft,  in  cities  storm'd,  and  battles  won. 
Had  saved  the  father,  and  now  saves  the  son. 
Full  at  the  Trojan's  head  he  urged  his  lance, 
Where  the  higli  plumes  above  the  helmet  dance, 
New  ting'd  with  Tyrian  dye:  in  dust  below, 


TEE  ILIAD.  361 

Shorn  from  the  crest,  the  purple  houors  glow. 

Meantime  their  fight  the  Spartan  king  survey'd, 

And  stood  by  Meges'  side  a  sudden  aid. 

Through  Dolop's  shoulder  urged  his  forceful  dart, 

Which  held  its  passage  through  the  panting  heart. 

And  issued  at  his  breast.     With  thundering  sound 

The  warrior  falls,  extended  on  the  ground. 

In  rush  the  conquering  Greeks  to  spoil  the  slain: 

But  Hector's  voice  excites  his  kindred  train; 

The  hero  most,  from  Hicetaon  sprung, 

Fierce  Melanippus,  gallant,  brave,  and  young. 

He  (ere  to  Troy  the  Grecians  cross'd  the  main) 

Fed  his  large  oxen  on  Percote's  plain; 

But  when  oppress'd,  his  country  claim'd  his  care, 

Return'd  to  Ilion,  and  excell'd  in  war; 

For  this,  in  Priam's  court,  he  held  his  place, 

Beloved  no  less  than  Priam's  royal  race. 

Him  Hector  singled,  as  his  troops  he  led. 

And  thus  inflamed  him,  pointing  to  the  dead. 

"Lo,  MelanippusI  lo,  where  Dolops  lies; 
And  is  it  thus  our  royal  kinsman  dies? 
O'ermatch'd  he  falls;  to  two  at  once  a  prey. 
And  lo!  they  bear  the  bloody  arms  away! 
Come  on — a  distant  war  no  longer  Avage, 
But  hand  to  hand  thy  country's  foes  engage: 
Till  Greece  at  once,  and  all  her  glory  end; 
Or  Ilion  from  lier  towerv  height  descend, 
Heaved  from  the  lowest  stone;  and  bury  all 
In  one  sad  sepulchre,  one  common  fall." 

Hector  (this  said)  rush'd  forward  on  the  foes: 
With  equal  ardor  Melanippus  glows; 
Then  Ajax  thus — "0  Greeks!  respect  your  fame, 
licspect  yourselves,  and  learn  an  honest  shame: 
Let  mutiuil  reverence  mutual  warmth  inspire,    . 
And  catch  from  breast  to  breast  the  noble  fire. 
On  valor's  side  the  odds  of  combat  lie; 
The  brave  live  glorious,  or  lamented  die; 
The  wretch  that  trembles  in  the  field  of  fame, 
Meets  death,  and  worse  than  death,  eternal  shame." 

His  generous  sense  he  not  in  vain  imjjarts; 
It  sunk,  and  rooted  in  the  Grecian  hearts: 
They  join,  they  throng,  they  thicken  at  his  call. 
And  flank  the  navy  with  a  brazen  wall; 
Sliields  touching  shields,  in  order  blaze  above, 
And  stop  the  Trojans,  though  impell'd  by  Jove. 


362  TEE  ILIAD. 

The  fiery  Spartan  first,  with  lond  applause, 

Warms  the  bold  son  of  Nestor  in  his  cause. 

"Is  there  (he  said)  in  arms  a  youth  like  you, 

So  strong  to  fight,  so  active  to  pursue? 

Why  stand  you  distant,  nor  attempt  a  deed? 

Lift  the  hold  lance,  and  make  some  Trojan  bleed." 

He  said;  and  backward  to  the  lines  retired; 
Forth  rush'd  the  youth  with  martial  fury  fired, 
Beyond  the  foremost  ranks;  his  lance  he  threw. 
And  round  the  black  battalions  cast  his  view. 
The  troops  of  Troy  recede  with  sudden  fear. 
While  the  swift  javelin  hiss'd  along  in  air. 
Advancing  Melauippus  met  -the  dart 
With  his  bold  breast,  and  felt  it  in  his  heart: 
Thundering  he  falls;  his  falling  arms  resound, 
And  his  broad  buckler  rings  against  the  ground. 
The  victor  lea23s  upon  his  prostrate  prize: 
Thus  on  a  roe  the  well-breath 'd  beagle  files. 
And  rends  his  side,  fresh-bleeding  with  the  dart 
The  distant  hunter  sent  into  his  heart. 
Observing  Hector  to  the  rescue  flew; 
Bold  as  he  was,  Antilochus  withdrew. 
So  when  a  savage,  ranging  o'er  the  plain, 
Has  torn  the  shepherd's  dog,  or  shepherd's  swain, 
While  conscious  of  the  deed,  he  glares  around 
And  hears  the  gathering  multitude  resound. 
Timely  he  flies  the  yet-untasted  food. 
And  gains  the  friendly  shelter  of  the  wood: 
So  fears  the  youth;  all  Troy  with  shouts  pursue. 
While  stones  and  darts  in  mingled  tempest  flew; 
But  enter'd  in  the  Grecian  ranks,  he  turns 
His  manly  breast,  and  with  new  fury  burns. 

Now  on  the  fleet  the  tides  of  Trojans  drove. 
Fierce, to  fulfill  the  stern  decrees  of  Jove: 
The  sire  of  gods,  confirming  Thetis'  prayer. 
The  Grecian  ardor  quench'd  in  deep  despair; 
But  lifts  to  glory  Troy's  prevailing  bands, 
Swells  all  their  hearts,  and  strengthens  all  their  hands. 
On  Ida's  top  she  waits  with  longing  eyes. 
To  view  the  navy  blazing  to  the  skies; 
Then,  nor  till  then,  the  scale  of  war  shall  turn. 
The  Trojans  fly,  and  conquer'd  Ilion  burn. 
These  fates  revolved  in  his  almighty  mind, 
He  raises  Hector  to  the  work  design'il, 
Bids  him  with  more  than  mortal  fury  glow, 


THE  ILTAD.  363 

And  drives  him,  like  a  lightning,  on  the  foe. 
So  Marti,  when  human  crimes  for  vengeance  call, 
Shakes  his  huge  javelin,  and  whole  armies  fall. 
Not  with  more  rage  a  conflagration  rolls, 
Wraps  the  vast  mountains,  and  involves  the  poles. 
He  foams  with  wrath;  beneath  his  gloomy  brow 
Like  tiery  meteors  liis  red  eyeballs  glow: 
The  radiant  helmet  on  his  temple  burns, 
AVaves  when  he  nods,  and  lightens  as  he  turns: 
For  Jove  his  splendor  round  the  chief  had  thrown, 
And  cast  the  blaze  of  both  the  hosts  on  one. 
Unhappy  glories  I  for  his  fate  was  near, 
Due  to  stern  Pallas,  and  Pelides'  spear: 
Yet  Jove  deferr'd  the  death  he  was  to  pay. 
And  gave  what  fate  allow'd,  the  honors  of  a  day! 

Now  all  on  fire  for  fame,  his  breast,  his  eyes 
Burn  at  each  foe,  and  single  every  prize; 
Still  at  the  closest  ranks,  the  thickest  fighfc. 
He  points  his  ardor,  and  exerts  iiis  might. 
The  Grecian  phalanx,  moveless  as  a  tower, 
On  all  sides  batter'd,  yet  resists  his  power: 
So  some  tall  rock  o'erhangs  the  hoary  main,* 
By  winds  assail'd,  by  billows  beat  in  vain. 
Unmoved  it  hears,  above,  the  tempest  blow. 
And  sees  the  watery  mountains  break  below. 
Girt  in  surrounding  flames,  he  seems  to  fall 
Like  fire  from  Jove,  and  bursts  upon  them  all: 
Bursts  as  a  wave  that  from  the  cloud  impends, 
And,  swell'd  with  tempests,  on  the  ship  descends; 
White  are  the  decks  with  foam;  the  winds  aloud 
Howl  o'er  the  masta,  and  sing  through  every  shroud: 
Pale,  trembling,  tired,  the  sailors  freeze  with  fears; 
And  instant  death  on  every  wave  appears. 
So  pale  the  Greeks  the  eyes  of  Hector  meet, 
The  chief  so  thunders,  and  so  shakes  the  fleet. 

As  wl)en  a  lion,  rushing  from  his  den. 
Amidst  the  plain  i;f  some  wide-water'd  fen 
(Where  numerous  oxen,  as  at  ease  they  feed, 
At  largo  expatiate  o'er  the  ranker  mead); 


•  80  tome  tall  rock. 

"  But  lik(!  a  rock  uninov'd,  a  rock  tliat  braves 
Tlie  rajjiii^  tciupcHt,  and  tlie  risiiif;  wavew, 
Projjp'd  on  himself  he  stands:  his  solid  sides 
Wash  off  the  sea-weeds,  aii-.l  the  Nouii'liiifr  tides. 

— Drydtu'b  Viryil,  vii.  809. 


t* 


364  THE  ILIAD. 

Leaps  ou  the  herds  before  the  herdsman's  eyes; 

The  trembling  herdsman  far  to  distance  flies; 

Some  lordly  bull  (the  rest  dispersed  and  fled) 

He  singles  out;  arrests,  and  lays  him  dead. 

Thus  from  the  rage  of  Jove-like  Hector  flew 

All  Greece  in  heaps;  but  one  he  seized,  and  slew: 

Mycenian  Periphes,  a  mighty  name, 

In  wisdom  great,  in  arms  well  known  to  fame: 

The  minister  of  stern  Eurystheus'  ire 

Against  Alcides,  Copreus  was  his  sire: 

The  son  redeem'd  tlie  honors  of  the  race, 

A  son  as  generous  as  the  sire  was  base; 

O'er  all  his  country's  youth  conspicuous  far 

In  every  virtue,  or  of  peace  or  war: 

But  doom'd  to  Hector's  stronger  force  to  yield! 

Against  the  margin  of  his  ample  shield 

He  struck  his  hasty  foot:  his  heels  upsprung; 

Supine  he  fell;  his  brazen  helmet  rung. 

On  the  fallen  chief  the  invading  Trojan  press'd 

And  plunged  the  pointed  javelin  in  his  breast. 

His  circling  friends,  who  strove  to  guard  too  late 

The  unhappy  hero,  fled,  or  shared  his  fate. 

Chased  from  the  foremost  line,  the  Grecian  train 
Now  man  the  next,  receding  toward  the  main: 
Wedged  in  one  body  at  the  tents  they  stand, 
Wall'd  round  with  sterns,  a  gloomy,  desperate  band. 
Now  manly  shame  forbids  the  inglorious  flight; 
Now  fear  itself  confines  them  to  the  fight: 
Man  courage  breatlies  in  man;  but  Nestor  most 
(The  sage  preserver  of  the  Grecian  host) 
Exhorts,  adjures,  to  guard  these  utmost  shores; 
And  by  their  parents,  by  themselves  implores. 

"Oh  friends!  be  men  :  your  generous  breasts  inflame 
With  mutual  honor,  and  with  mutual  shame! 
Think  of  your  hopes,  your  fortunes;  all  the  care 
Your  wives,  your  infants,  and  your  parents  share: 
Think  of  each  living  father's  reverend  head; 
Think  of  each  ancestor  with  glory  dead;- 
Absent,  by  me  they  speak,  by  me  they  sue, 
They  ask  their  safety,  and  their  fame,  from  you: 
The  gods  their  fates  on  this  one  action  lay, 
And  all  are  lost,  if  you  desert  the  day." 

lie  spoke,  and  round  him  breathed  heroic  fires; 
Minerva  seconds  what  the  sage  inspires. 
The  mist  of  darkness  Jove  around  them  threw 


TEE  ILIAD.  3(35 

She  clear'd,  restoring  all  the  war  to  view; 
A  sudden  ray  shot  beaming  o'er  the  plain 
And  show'd  the  shores,  the  navy,  and  the  main; 
Hector  they  saw,  and  all  who  fly,  or  fight. 
The  scene  wide-opening  to  the  blaze  of  light, 
First  of  the  field  great  Ajax  strikes  their  eyes, 
His  port  majestic,  and  his  ample  size: 
A  ponderous  mace  with  studs  of  iron  crown'd. 
Full  twenty  cubits  long,  he  swings  around; 
Nor  fights,  like  others,  fix'd  to  certain  stands, 
But  looks  a  moving  tower  above  the  bands; 
High  on  the  decks  with  vast  gigantic  stride. 
The  godlike  hero  stalks  from  side  to  side. 
So  when  a  iiorseman  from  the  watery  mead 
(Skill'd  in  the  manage  of  the  bounding  steed) 
Drives  four  fair  coursers,  practised  to  obey, 
To  some  great  city  through  the  public  way; 
Safe  in  his  art,  as  side  by  side  they  run. 
He  shifts  his  seat,  and  vaults  from  one  to  one; 
And  now  to  this,  and  now  to  that  he  flies; 
Admiring  numbers  follow  with  their  eyes. 

From  ship  to  ship  thus  Ajax  swiftly  flew, 
Y  ■  less  the  wonder  of  the  warring  crew. 

nous,  Hector  thunder'd  thrsats  aloud, 
A       rush'd  enraged  before  the  Trojan  crowd; 
Then  swift  invades  the  ships,  whose  beaky  prores 
Lay  rank'd  contiguous  on  the  bending  shores; 
So  the  strong  eagle  from  his  airy  height, 
Who  marks  the  swans'  or  cranes'  embodied  flight, 
Stoops  down  impetuous,  while  they  light  for  food, 
And,  stooping,  darkens  with  his  wings  tlie  flood. 
Jove  leads  him  on  with  his  almighty  hand. 
And  breathes  fierce  spirits  in  his  following  band. 
The  warring  nations  meet,  the  battle  roars. 
Thick  beats  the  combat  on  the  sounding  })rores. 
Thou  wouldat  have  thought,  so  furious  was  their  fire, 
No  force  could  tame  them,  and  no  toil  could  tire; 
As  if  new  vigor  from  new  fights  they  won. 
And  the  long  battle  was  but  tlien  begun. 
Greece,  yet  unconquerM,  kcjit  alive  the  war, 
Secure  of  death,  confiding  in  d(!S]);»ir: 
Troy  in  proud  hopes  already  vicw'd  li)c  main 
Bright  with  tl)c  blaze,  and  red  with  heroes  slain: 
Like  strength  is  felt  frojii  Iinpo,  and  from  despair, 
And  eaci)  contends,  as  his  were  all  the  war. 


366  THE  ILIAD. 


'Twas  thou,  bold  Hector!  whose  resistless  hand 
First  seized  a  ship  on  that  contested  strand; 
The  same  which  deaci  Protesilaus  bore,* 
The  first  that  touch'd  the  unhappy  Trojan  shore: 
For  this  in  arms  the  warring  nations  stood, 
And  bathed  their  generous  breasts  with  mutual  blood. 
No  room  to  poise  the  lance  or  bend  the  bow ; 
But  hand  to  hand,  and  man  to  man,  they  grow: 
Wounded,  they  wound;  and  seek  each  other's  hearts 
With  falchions,  axes,  swords,  and  shorten'd  darts; 
The  falchions  ring,  shields  rattle,  axes  sound, 
Swords  flash  in  air,  or  glitter  on  the  ground; 
With  streaming  blood  the  slippery  shores  are  dyed, 
And  slaughter'd  heroes  swell  the  dreadful  tide. 

Still  raging,  Hector  with  his  ample  hand 
Grasps  the  high  stern,  and  gives  this  loud  command: 

"Haste,  bring  the  flames!  that  toil  of  ten  long  years 
Is  finished;  and  the  day  desired  appears! 
This  happy  day  with  acclamations  greet, 
Bright  with  destruction  of  yon  hostile  fleet. 
The  coward-counsels  of  a  timorous  throng 
Of  reverend  dotards  check'd  our  glory  long:  s. 

Too  long  Jove  lull'd  us  with  lethargic  charms,  * 

But  now  in  peals  of  thunder  calls  to  arms:  - 

In  this  great  day  he  crowns  our  full  desires, 
Wakes  all  our  force,  and  seconds  all  our  fires." 

He  spoke — the  warriors  at  his  fierce  command 
Pour  a  new  deluge  on  the  Grecian  band. 
Even  Ajax  paused  (so  thick  the  javelins  fly) 
Stepp'd  back,  and  doubted  or  to  live  or  die. 
Yet,  where  the  oars  are  placed,  he  stands  to  wait 
What  chief  approaching  dares  attempt  his  fate: 
Even  to  the  last  his  naval  charge  defends, 
Now  shakes  his  spear,  now  lifts,  and  now  protends; 
Even  yet,  the  Greeks  with  piercing  shouts  inspire 
Amidst  attack,  and  death,  and  darts,  and  fires. 

"0  friends!     0  heroes!  names  forever  dear, 
Once  sons  of  Mars,  and  thunderbolts  of  war! 
Ah!  yet  be  mindful  of  your  old  renown, 

*  Protpsilaiis  was  the  first  Greek  who  fell,  slain  bj'  Hector,  as 
be  leaped  from  the  vessel  to  the  Trojan  shore.  He  was  buried 
on  the  Chersonese,  near  the  city  of  PJagusa.  Hygiu.  Fab.  ciii. 
Tzetz.  on  Lycophr.  245,  528.  There  is  a  most  elegant  tribute  to 
his  memory  in  the  Preface  to  the  Heroica  of  Philostratus. 


THE  ILIAD.  367 

Your  great  forefathers'  virtues  and  your  own. 

Wliat  aids  expect  3'on  in  this  utmost  strait? 

Wliat  bulwarks  rising  between  you  and  fate? 

No  aids,  no  bulwarks  your  retreat  attend, 

No  friends  to  help,  no  city  to  defend. 

This  spot  is  all  you  have,  to  lose  or  keep; 

There  stand  the  Trojans,  and  here  rolls  the  deep. 

'Tis  hostile  ground  you  tread;  your  native  lands 

Far,  far  from  hence:  your  fates  are  in  your  hands." 

Raging  he  spoke;  noi  further  wastes  his  breath, 
But  turns  his  javelin  to  the  work  of  death. 
Whate'er  bold  Trojan  arm'd  his  daring  hands. 
Against  t!ie  sable  ships,  with  flaming  brands, 
So  well  the  chief  his  naval  weapon  sped. 
The  luckless  warrior  at  his  stern  lay  dead: 
Full  twelve,  the  boldest,  in  a  moment  fell, 
Sent  by  great  Ajax  to  the  shades  of  hell 


368  2'i^^  ILIAD. 


BOOK  XVI. 

A  K  G  U  M  E  N  T . 

THE  SIXTH   BATTLE;   THE  ACTS  AND   DEATH   OF 
PATROCLUS. 

Patroclus  (in  pursuance  of  tlie  request  of  Nestor  in  tlie  eleventh 
book)  entreats  Achilles  to  suffer  him  to  go  to  the  assistance 
of  the  Grreeks  with  Achilles'  troops  and  armor.  He  agrees  to 
it,  but  at  the  same  time  charges  him  to  content  himself  with 
rescuing  the  fleet,  without  further  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 
'The  armor,  horses,  soldiers,  and  officers  are  described. 
Achilles  offers  a  libation  for  the  success  of  his  friend,  after 
-which  Patroclus  leads  the  Myrmidons  to  battle.  TLie  Trojans, 
at  the  sight  of  Patroclus  in  Achilles'  armor,  taking  him  for 
that  hero,  are  cast  into  the  uttermost  consternation;  he  beats 
them  off  from  the  vessels.  Hector  himself  Hies,  Sarpedon  is 
killed,  though  Jupiter  was  averse  to  his  fate.  Several  other 
particulars  of  the  battle  are  described;  in  the  heat  of  which, 
Patroclus,  neglecting  the  orders  of  Achilles,  pursues  the  foe 
to  the  walls  of  Troy;  where  Apollo  repulses  and  disarms  him, 
Euphorbus  wounds  him,  and  Hector  kills  him;  which  con- 
cludes the  book. 

So  warr'd  both  armies  on  the  ensanguined  shore, 
While  the  black  vessels  smoked  with  human  gore. 
Meanwhile  Patroclus  to  Achilles  flies; 
The  streaming  tears  fall  copious  from  his  eyes; 
Not  faster,  trickling  to  the  plains  below, 
From  the  tall  rock  the  sable  waters  flow. 
Divine  Pelides,  with  compassion  moved. 
Thus  spoke,  indulgent,  to  his  best  beloved:* 

*  His  best  beloved.  The  following  elegant  remarks  of  Thirlwall 
(Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  176,  seq.)  well  illustrate  the  character  of  the 
friendship  subsisting  between  the  two  heroes: 

"  One  of  the  noblest  and  most  amiable  sides  of  the  Greek  char- 
acter, is  the  readiness  with  which  it  lent  itself  to  construct  inti- 
mate and  durable  friendships;  and  this  is  a  feature  no  less- 
prominent  in  the  earliest,  than  in  later  times.  It  was  indeed 
connected  with  the  comparatively  low  estimation  in  which  female 
society  was  held;  but  the  devotedness  and  constancy  with  which 


THE  ILIAD.  369 

"Patroclus,  say,  what  grief  thy  bosom  bears, 
That  flows  so  fast  in  these  unmanly  tears? 
No  girl,  no  infant  Avhom  the  mother  keeps 
From  her  loved  breast,  with  fonder  passion  weeps; 
Not  more  the  mother's  soul,  that  infant  warms, 
Clung  to  her  knees,  and  reaching  at  her  arms, 
Than  thou  hast  mine.     Oh  tell  me,  to  what  end 
Thy  melting  sorrows  thus  pursue  thy  friend? 

"Griev'st  thou  for  me,  or  for  my  martial  band? 
Or  come  sad  tidings  from  our  native  land? 
Our  fathers  live  (our  first,  most  tender  care), 
Thy  good  Menoetius  breathes  the  vital  air. 
And  hoary  Peleus  yet  extends  his  days; 
Pleased  in  their  age  to  hear  their  children's  praise. 
Or  may  some  meaner  cause  thy  pity  claim? 
Perhaps  some  relics  of  the  Grecian  name, 
Doom'd  in  their  ships  to  sink  by  fire  and  sword, 
And  pay  the  forfeit  of  their  haughty  lord? 
AVhate'er  their  cause,  reveal  thy  secret  care, 
And  speak  those  sorrows  which  a  friend  would  share." 
A  sigh  that  instant  from  his  bosom  broke, 
Another  follow'd,  and  Patroclus  spoke: 

"Let  Greece  at  length  with  pity  touch  thy  breast, 
Thyself  a  Greek;  and,  once,  of  Greeks  the  best! 
Lol  every  chief  that  might  her  fate  prevent, 

these  attacbments  were  maintained,  was  not  the  less  admirable 
and  en^agini(.  The  heroic  couiptuiions  whom  we  find  celebrated, 
partly  by  Homer  and  ijartly  in  traditions,  which,  if  not  of  equal 
antiquity,  were  grounded  on  the  same  feeling,  seem  to  have  but 
one  heart  and  soul,  with  scarcely  a  wish  or  object  a])art,  and  only 
to  live,  as  they  are  always  ready  to  die,  for  one  anotlu-r.  It  is  true 
that  tlie  relation  between  them  is  not  always  one  of  j)erfect 
eciuality;  but  this  is  a  circumstance  wliicb,  while  it  often  adds  a 
peculiar  charm  to  the  poetical  description,  detracts  little  from  the 
dignity  of  the  idea  which  it  presents.  Such  were  the  friendships 
of  Hercules  and  lolaus,  of  Tluiseus  and  I'irithous,  of  Orestes  and 
Fylades:  and  though  these  may  owe  the  greater  part  of  thc^r 
fame  to  tin?  latter  epic,  or  even  dramatic  poetry,  the  moral  ground- 
work undoubtedly  subsisted  in  the  period  to  which  the  tiaditions 
are  referred.  'I'iie  argument  of  the  Iliad  mainly  turns  on  the 
affection  of  Achilles  for  Patroclus,  whose  love  for  the  greater 
liero  is  only  leini)ered  by  reverence  for  his  higher  birtli  and  his 
une(jualled  powers.  But  the  mutual  regard  which  united  Ido- 
mentuis  anil  Aieriones,  Diomedes  and  Sthenelus,  though,  as  the 
l)ersons  themselves  are  less  imj)ortant,  it  is  kept  more  in  the  back- 
ground, is  manifestly  vi(-wed  by  the  poet  in  tlie  same  light.  The 
idea  of  a  (irei:k  hero  seems  not  to  havt!  been  thought  com]>lete 
without  such  a  brother  in  arms  by  his  side." — Thirlwall,  Greece, 
vol.  i.  p.  176,  .seq. 


370  THE  ILIAD. 

Lies  jsierced  with  wounds,  and  bleeding  in  his  tent: 

Eurypylus,  Tjdides,  Atrens'  son, 

And  wise  Ulysses,  at  the  navy  groan, 

More  for  their  country's  wounds  than  for  their  own 

Their  pain  soft  arts  of  pharmacy  can  ease, 

Thy  breast  alone  no  lenitives  appease. 

May  never  rage  like  thine  my  soul  enslave, 

0  great  in  vain!  unprofitably  brave! 
Thy  country  slighted  in  her  last  distress. 

What  friend,  what  man,  from  thee  shall  hope  redress? 

No — men  unborn,  and  ages  yet  behind. 

Shall  curse  that  fierce,  that  unforgiving  mind. 

"0  man  unpitying!  if  of  man  thy  race; 
But  sure  thou  spring'st  not  from  a  soft  embrace, 
Nor  ever  amorous  hero  caused  thy  birth. 
Nor  ever  tender  goddess  brought  thee  forth: 
Some  rugged  rock's  hard  entrails  gave  thee  form, 
And  raging  seas  produced  thee  in  a  storm, 
A  soul  well  suiting  that  tempestuous  kind, 
So  rough  thy  manners,  so  untamed  thy  mind. 

"If  some  dire  oracle  thy  breast  alarm, 
If  aught  from  Jove,  or  Thetis,  stop  thy  arm. 
Some  beam  of  comfort  yet  on  Greece  may  shine, 
If  I  but  load  the  Myrmidonian  line: 
Clad  in  thy  dreadful  arms  if  I  ai3pear. 
Proud  Troy  shall  tremble,  and  desert  the  war; 
Without  thy  person  Greece  shall  win  the  day, 
And  thy  mere  image  chase  her  foes  away. 
Press'd  by  fresh  forces,  her  o'erlabor'd  train 
Shall  quit  the  ships,  and  Greece  respire  again." 
Thus,  blind  to  fate  I  with  supplicating  breath, 
Thou  begg'st  his  arms,  and  in  his  arms  thy  death 
Unfortunately  good!  a  boding  sigh 
Thy  friend  return'd;  and  with  it,  this  reply: 
"Patroclus!  thy  Achilles  knows  no  fears; 
Nor  words  from  Jove  nor  oracles  he  hears; 
Nor  aught  a  mother's  caution  can  suggest; 
The  tyrant's  pride  lies  rooted  in  my  breast. 
My  wrongs,  my  wrongs,  my  constant  thought  engage, 
Those,  my  sole  oracles,  inspire  my  rage: 

1  made  him  tyrant:  gave  him  power  to  wrong 
Even  my:  I  felt  it;  and  shall  feel  it  long. 

The  maid,  my  black-eyed  maid,  he  forced  away, 
Due  to  the  toils  of  many  a  well-fought  day; 
Due  to  my  conquest  of  her  father's  reign; 


THE  ILIAD.  371 

Due  to  the  votes  of  all  the  Grecian  train. 

From  me  he  forced  her;  me,  the  bold  and  brave, 

Disgraced,  dishouor'd,  like  the  meanest  slave. 

But  bear  we  this — the  wrongs  I  grieve  are  past: 

'Tis  time  our  fury  should  relent  at  last: 

I  fix'd  its  date;  the  day  I  wish'd  appears: 

How  Hector  to  my  ships  his  battle  bears, 

The  flames  my  eyes,  the  shouts  invade  my  ears. 

Go  then,  Patroclus!  court  fair  honor's  charms 

In  Troy's  famed  fields,  and  in  Achilles'  arms: 

Lead  forth  my  martial  Myrmidons  to  tight, 

Go  save  the  fleets,  and  conquer  in  my  right. 

See  the  thin  relics  of  their  baffled  band 

At  the  last  edge  of  yon  deserted  land ! 

Behold  all  Ilion  on  their  ships  descends; 

How  the  cloud  blackens,  how  the  storm  impends. 

It  was  not  thus,  when,  at  my  sight  amazed, 

Troy  saw  and  trembled,  as  this  helmet  blazed: 

Had  not  the  injuricus  king  our  friendship  lost, 

You  ample  trench  had  buried  half  her  host. 

No  camps,  no  bulwarks  now  the  T'rojans  fear, 

Those  are  not  dreadful,  no  Achilles  there; 

No  longer  flames  the  lance  of  Tydeus'  son; 

No  more  your  general  calls  his  heroes  on  : 

Hector,  alone,  I  hear;  his  dreadful  breath 

Commands  your  slaughter,  or  proclaims  your  death. 

Yet  now,  Patroclus,  issue  to  the  plain : 

Now  save  the  ships,  the  rising  fires  restrain, 

And  give  the  Greeks  to  visit  Greece  again. 

But  heed  my  words,  and  mark  a  friend's  command. 

Who  trusts  his  fame  and  honors  in  thy  hand, 

And  from  thy  deeds  expects  the  Achaian  iiost 

Shall  render  back  the  beauteous  maid  he  lost: 

Hage  uncontroU'd  through  all  the  hostile  crew, 

li'it  touch  not  Hector,  Hector  is  my  due. 

Though  Jove  in  thunder  should  command  the  war, 

Bo  just,  consult  my  glory,  and  forljear. 

The  fleet  once  saved,  desist  from  further  chaso, 

Nor  lead  to  Ilion's  walls  the  Grecian  race; 

Some  adverse!  go(l  thy  raslmess  may  destroy; 

Some  god,  like;  I'IkdIjus,  over  kind  t<j  Troy. 

Lot  Greece,  redeem'd  from  this  destructive  strait. 

Do  her  own  work;  and  loave  the  rest  to  fate. 

01  would  to  all  tli(!  immortal  powers  above, 

Apollo,  Pallas,  and  almighty  Jove, 


373  THE  ILIAD. 

That  not  one  Trojan  might  be  left  alive, 

And  not  a  Greek  of  all  the  race  survive: 

Might  only  we  the  vast  destruction  shun, 

And  only  we  destroy  the  accursed  town!" 

Such  conference  held  the  chiefs;  while  on  the  strand 

Great  Jove  with  conquest  crown'd  the  Trojan  band. 

Ajax  no  more  the  sounding  storm  sustain'd, 

So  thick  the  darts  an  iron  tempest  rain'd : 

On  his  tired  arm  the  weighty  buckler  hung; 

His  hollow  helm  with  falling  javelins  rung; 

His  breath,  in  quick  short  pan  tings,  comes  and  goes: 

And  painful  sweat  from  all  his  members  flows. 

SjDent  and  o'erpower'd,  ho  barely  breathes  at  most: 

Yet  scarce  an  army  stirs  him  from  his  post; 

Dangers  on  dangers  all  around  him  glow, 

And  toil  to  toil,  and  woe  succeeds  to  woe. 

Say,  Muses,  throned  above  the  starry  frame, 
How  first  the  navy  blazed  .vith  Trojan  flame? 

Stern  Hector  waved  his  sword,  and  standing  near, 
Where  furious  Ajax  plied  his  ashen  spear, 
Full  on  the  lance  a  stroke  so  justly  sped. 
That  the  broad  falchion  lopp'd  its  brazen  head; 
His  pointless  spear  the  warrior  shakes  in  vain; 
The  brazen  head  falls  sounding  on  the  plain. 
Great  Ajax  saw,  and  own'd  the  hand  divine; 
Confessing  Jove,  and  trembling  at  the  sign, 
Warn'd  he  retreats.     Then  swift  from  all  sides  pour 
The  hissing  brands;  thick  streams  the  fiery  shower; 
O'er  the  high  stern  the  curling  volumes  rise. 
And  sheets  of  rolling  smoke  involve  the  skies. 

Divine  Achilles  view'd  the  rising  flames. 
And  smote  his  thigh,  and  thus  aloud  exclaims: 
"Arm,  arm,  Patroclns!   Lo,  the  blaze  aspires! 
The  glowing  ocean  reddens  with  the  fires. 
Arm,  ere  our  vessels  catch  the  spreading  flame; 
Arm,  ere  the  Grecians  be  no  more  a  name; 
I  haste  to  bring  the  troops."— The  hero  said; 
The  friend  with  ardor  and  with  joy  obey'd. 

He  cased  his  limbs  in  brass;  and  first  around 
His  manly  legs,  with  silver  buckles  bound 
The  clasping  greaves;  then  to  his  breast  applies 
The  flaming  cuirass  of  a  thousand  dyes; 
Emblazed  with  studs  of  gold  his  falchion  shone 
In  the  rich  belt,  as  in  a  starry  zone; 
Achilles'  shield  his  ample  shoulders  spread, 


THE  ILIAD.  373 

Achilles'  helmet  nodded  o'er  his  head: 
Adorn'd  in  all  his  terrible  array, 
He  flash'd  around  intolerable  day. 
Alone  nntouch'd,  Pelides'  javelin  stands, 
Not  to  be  poised  but  by  Pelides'  hands: 
From  Pelion's  shady  brow  the  plant  entire 
Old  Chiron  rent,  and  shaped  it  for  his  sire; 
Whose  son's  great  arm  alone  the  weapon  wields, 
The  death  of  heroes,  and  the  dread  of  fields. 

The  brave  Automedon  (an  honor'd  name, 
The  second  to  his  lord  in  love  and  fame, 
In  peace  his  friend,  and  partner  of  the  war) 
The  winged  coursers  harness'd  to  the  car; 
Xanthiis  and  Balius,  of  immortal  breed, 
Sprung  from  the  wind,  and  like  the  wind  in  speed. 
Whom  the  wing'd  harjn',  swift  Podarge,  bore. 
By  Zephyr  pregnant  on  the  breezy  shore: 
Swift  Pedasus  was  added  to  their  side, 
(Once  great  Aetion's,  now  Achilles'  pride) 
Who,  like  in  strength,  in  swiftness,  and  in  grace, 
A  mortal  courser  matcli'd  the  immortal  race. 

Achilles  speeds  from  tent  to  tent,  and  warms 
His  hardy  ]\Iyrmidons  to  blood  and  arms. 
All  breathing  death,  around  tlie  chief  they  stand, 
A  grim,  terrific,  formidable  band : 
Grim  as  voracious  wolves,  that  seek  the  springs* 
When  scalding  thirst  tlieir  burning  bowels  wrings. 
When  some  tall  stag,  fresh-slaughtered  in  the  wood. 
Has  drench 'd  their  wide  insatiate  throats  with  blood, 
To  the  black  fount  they  rush,  a  hideous  tlirong, 
With  [)auncli  distended,  and  witli  lolling  tongue. 
Fire  fills  their  eye,  their  black  jaws  belch  the  gore. 
And  gorged  with  slaughter-  still  tlicy  thirst  for  more. 
J>iko  furious,  rush'd  the  Myrmidonian  crew, 
Such  their   dread   strengtb,  and    such    tlieir   deathful 
view. 

High  in  the  midst  the  great  Achilles  stands, 
])irect.s  tbcir  order,  and  the  war  commands. 
He,  loved  of  Jove;,  had  lauiich'd  foi'  llioii'rf  shores 


*  "  Ah  liunirry  wolves  with  raging  aj^petite, 

Scour  tliroiigli  tlio  fn-lds,  ne'er  fear  tlie  stormy  night — 
Their  wliejp.s  at  lifniie  ex[)ect  tin?  proiiiised  food, 
An«l  long  to  temper  their  dry  chaps  in  hUiod — 
So  rusli'd  we  forth  at  onrc" 

— J>rydin's  \'irgil,  ii.  479. 


374  'I'HE  ILIAD. 

Full  fifty  vessels,  mann'd  with  fifty  oars: 
Five  chosen  leaders  the  fierce  bands  obey, 
Himself  supreme  in  valor,  as  in  sway. 

First  nuirch'd  Menestheus,  of  celestial  birth, 
Derived  from  thee,  whose  waters  wash  the  earth, 
Divine  Sperchius!  Jove-descended  flood! 
A  mortal  mother  mixing  with  a  god. 
Such  was  Menestheus,  but  miscall'd  by  fame 
The  son  of  Borus,  that  espoused  the  dame. 
Eudorus  next;  whom  Polymele  the  gay, 
Famed  in  the  graceful  dance,  produced  to-day. 
Her,  sly  Cellenius  loved:  on  her  would  gaze, 
As  with  swift  step  she  form'd  the  running  maze: 
To  her  high  chamber  from  Diana's  quire. 
The  god  pursued  her,  urged,  and  crown'd  his  fire. 
The  son  confess'd  his  father's  heavenly  race. 
And  heir'd  his  mother's  swiftness  in  the  chase. 
Strong  Echeclelis,  less'd  in  all  those  charms 
That  pleased  a  god,  succeeded  to  her  arms: 
Not  conscious  of  those  loves,  long  hid  from  fame. 
With  gifts  of  price  he  sought  and  won  the  dame; 
Her  secret  offspring  to  her  sire  she  bare; 
Her  sire  caress'd  him  with  a  parent's  care. 
Pisander  follow'd;  matchless  in  his  art 
To  wing  the  spear,  or  aim  the  distant  dart; 
No  hand  so  sure  of  all  the  Emathian  line. 
Or  if  a  surer,  great  Patroclus!  thine. 

The  fourth  by  Phcenix'  grave  command  was  graced, 
Laerces'  valiant  otfspring  led  the  last. 
Soon  as  Achilles  with  superior  care 
Had  call'd  the  chiefs,  and  order'd  all  the  war, 
This  stern  remembrance  to  his  troops  he  gave: 
"Ye  far-famed  Mvrmidons,  ye  fierce  and  brave! 
Think  with  what  threats  you  dared  the  Trojan  throng. 
Think  what  reproach  these  years  endured  so  long; 
'Stern  son  of  Peleus  (thus  ye  used  to  say, 
While  restless,  raging,  in  your  ships  you  lay) 
Oh  nursed  with  gall,  unknowing  how  to  yield; 
Whose  rage  defrauds  us  of  so  famed  a  field: 

that  dire  fury  must  forever  burn, 
What  make  we  here?     Return,  ye  chiefs,  return!' 
Such  were  your  words— Now,  warriorsl  grieve  no  more. 
Lo  there  the  Trojans;  bathe  your  swords  in  gore! 
Tliis  day  shall  give  you  all  your  soul  demands. 
Glut  all  your  hearts"',  and  weary  all  our  hands!" 


THE  ILIAD.  375 

Thns  while  he  roused  the  fire  in  every  breast, 
Close  and  more  close  the  listening  cohorts  press'd; 
Ranks  wedged  in  ranks;  of  arms  a  steely  ring 
Still  grows,  and  spreads,  and  thickens  round  the  king. 
As  when  a  circling  wall  the  bnilder  forms. 
Of  strength  defensive  against  wind  and  storms. 
Compacted  stores  the  thickening  work  compose, 
And  round  him  wide  the  rising  structure  grows: 
So  helm  to  helm,  and  crest  to  crest  they  throng, 
Shield  urged  on  shield,  and  man  drove  man  along; 
Thick,  undistinguish'd  plumes,  together  join'd, 
Float  in  one  sea,  and  wave  before  the  wind. 

Far  o'er  the  rest  in  glittering  pomp  appear, 
There  bold  Automedon,  Patroclus  here; 
Brothers  in  arms,  with  equal  fury  fired; 
Two  friends,  two  bodies  with  one  soul  inspired. 

But  mindful  of  the  gods,  Achilles  went 
To  the  rich  coffer  in  his  shady  tent; 
There  lay  on  heaps  his.  various  garments  roll'd, 
And  costly  furs,  and  carpets  stiff  with  gold 
(The  presents  of  the  silver-footed  dame). 
From  thence  he  took  a  bowl,  of  antique  frame, 
Which  never  man  had  stained  with  ruddy  wine, 
Nor  raised  in  offerings  to  the  power  divine. 
But  Peleus'  son;  and  Peleus'  son  to  none 
Had  raised  in  offerings,  but  to  Jove  alone. 
This  tinged  with  sulphur,  sacred  first  to  flame, 
lie  purged;  and  wash'd  it  in  the  running  stream. 
Tlien  cleansed  his  hands;  and  fixing  for  a  space 
His  eyjs  on  heaven,  his  feet  upon  the  place 
Of  su(,'rifice,  the  purple  draught  he  pour'd 
Forth  in  the  midst;  and  thus  the  god  implored: 

*MJ  thou  snpremel  high-throuod  all  height  above! 
0  great  Pelasgic,  Dodona^an  Jove! 
Wlio  'miilst  surrounding  forests,  and  vapors  chill, 
Presid'st  on  bleak  Dodona's  vocal  hill 
(Whoso  groves  the  SoUi,  race  austere!  surround. 
Their  feet  unwash'd,  their  sluinl)er3  on  tlie  ground; 
Who  hear,  from  rustling  oaks,  thy  dark  decrees; 
And  catch  the  fates,  low-whisporod  in  the  breeze); 
Hear,  as  of  old!  Thou  gav'st  at  Thetis'  prayer, 
(ilory  to  me,  and  to  the  Creeks  despair. 
Lo,  to  the  dangers  of  the  figliting  Held 
Though  still  determineil,  to  my  shi|)s  fonfined; 
The  best,  the  dearest  of  my  friends,  I  yield. 


376  TEE  ILIAD. 

Piitroclus  gone,  I  stay  but  half  behind. 
Oh!  be  his  guard  thy  providential  care, 
Conflrm  his  heart,  and  string  liis  arm  to  war: 
Press'd  by  his  single  force  let  Hector  see 
His  fame  in  arms  not  owing  all  to  me. 
But  when  the  fleets  are  saved  from  foes  and  fire, 
Let  him  with  conquest  and  renown  retire; 
Preserve  his  arms,  preserve  his  social  train, 
And  safe  return  him  to  these  eyes  again!" 

Great  Jove  consents  to  half  the  chief's  request, 
But  heaven's  eternal  doom  denies  the  rest; 
To  free  the  fleet  was  granted  to  his  prayer; 
His  safe  return,  the  winds  dispersed  in  air. 
Back  to  his  tent  tlie  stern  Achilles  flies. 
And  waits  the  combat  with  impatient  eyes. 

Meanwhile  the  troops  beneath  Patroclus'  care, 
Invade  the  Trojans,  and  commence  the  war. 
As  wasps,  provoked  by  children  in  their  play, 
Pour  from  their  mansions,  by  the  broad  highway. 
In  swarms  the  guiltless  traveller  engage. 
Whet  all  their  stings,  and  call  forth  all  their  rage: 
All  rise  in  arms,  and,  with  a  general  cry, 
Assert  their  waxen  domes,  and  buzzing  progeny. 
Thus  from  the  tents  the  fervent  legion  swarms, 
So  loud  their  clamors,  and  so  keen  their  arms: 
Their  rising  rage  Patroclus'  breath  inspires, 
Who  thus  inflames  them  with  heroic  fires: 

'-0  warriors,  partners  of  Achiles'  praise! 
Be  mindful  of  your  deeds  in  ancient  days; 
Your  godlike  master  let  your  acts  proclaim. 
And  add  new  glories  to  his  mighty  name. 
Think  you  Achilles  sees  you  fight:  be  brave. 
And  humble  the  proud  monarch  whom  you  save." 

Joyful  they  heard,  and  kindling  as  he  spoke. 
Flew  to  the  fleet,  involved  in  fire  and  smoke. 
From  shore  to  shore  the  doubling  shouts  resound, 
The  hollow  ships  return  a  deeper  sound. 
The  war  stood  still,  and  all  around  them  gazed: 
When  great  Aehilles'  shining  armor  blazed: 
Troy  saw,  and  thought  the  dread  Achilles  nigh, 
At  once  they  see,  they  tremble,  and  they  fly. 

Then  first  thy  spear,  divine  Patroclus!  flew, 
Where  the  war  raged,  and  where  the  tumult  grew. 
Close  to  the  stern  of  that  famed  ship  which  bore 
XJnbless'd  Protesilaus  to  Ilion's  shore, 


THE  ILIAD.  377 

The  great  P«onian,  bold  Pyrechmes  stood 

(Who  led  his  bands  from  Axius'  winding  flood); 

His  shoulder-blade  receives  the  fatal  wound; 

The  groaning  ■warrior  pants  upon  the  ground. 

His  troops,  that  see  their  country's  glory  slain, 

Fly  diverse,  scatter'd  o'er  the  distant  plain. 

Patroclus'  arm  forbids  the  spreading  fires, 

And  from  the  half-burn'd  ship  proud  Troy  retires; 

Clear'd  from  the  smoke  the  joyful  navy  lies; 

In  heaps  on  heaps  the  foe  tumultuous  flies; 

Triumphant  Greece  her  rescued  decks  ascends. 

And  loud  acclaim  the  starry  region  rends. 

So  when  thick  clouds  enwrap  the  mountain's  head, 

O'er  heaven's  expanse  like  one  black  ceiling  spread; 

Sudden  the  Thunderer,  with  a  flashing  ray. 

Bursts  through  the  darkness,  and  lets  down  the  day: 

The  hills  sliine  out,  the  rocks  in  prospect  rise, 

And  streams,  and  vales,  and  forests,  strike  the  eyes; 

The  smiling  scene  wide  opens  to  the  sight, 

t^nd  all  the  unmeasured  ether  flames  with  light. 

But  Troy  repulsed,  and  scatter'd  o'er  the  plains, 
Forced  from  tlie  navy,  yet  the  fight  maintains. 
Kow  every  Greek  some  hostile  hero  slew, 
But  still  the  foremost,  bold  Patroclus  flew: 
As  Areilycus  had  turn'd  him  round, 
Sharp  in  his  thigh  he  felt  the  piercing  wound;  ^ 
The  brazen-pointed  spear,  with  vigor  thrown. 
The  thigh  transfix'd,  and  broke  the  brittle  bone: 
Headlong  he  fell.     Next,  Thoiis  was  thy  chance;   ' 
Thy  breast,  unarm'd,  received  the  Spartan  lance. 
Phylides'  dart  (as  Am])hidns  drew  nigh) 
His  blow  prevented,  and  transpierced  his  thigh, 
Tore  all  the  brawn,  and  rent  the  nerves  away; 
In  darkness,  and  in  death,  the  warrior  lay. 

In  equal  arms  two  sons  of  Nestor  stand, 
And  two  bold  brothers  of  the  Lycian  band: 
By  great  Antilochus,  Atymnius  dies, 
Pierced  in  the  flank,  lamented  youth!  he  lies. 
Kind  Maris,  bleeding  in  his  brother's  wound, 
Defends  the  breathless  carcase  on  the  ground; 
Furious  lie  flies,  his  murderer  to  engage: 
But  godlike  Thrasimed  prevents  his  rage, 
Between  his  aim  and  slioulder  aims  a  Mow; 
His  arm  falls  spouting  on  tiie  dust  below; 
Ho  sinks,  with  endless  darkness  cover'd  o'er: 


378  THE  ILIAD. 

And  vents  his  sonl,  effused  with  gusliiiig  gore. 

Slain  by  two  brothers,  thus  two  brothers  bleed, 
Sarpedon's  friends,  Amisodarus'  seed; 
Amisodarus,  who,  by  Furies  led, 
The  bane  of  men,  abhorr'd  Chinisera  bred: 
Skill'd  in  the  dart  in  vain,  his  sons  expire, 
And  pay  the  forfeit  of  their  guilty  sire. 

Stopp'd  in  the  tumult  Cleobulus  lies. 
Beneath  O'ileus'  arm,  a  living  prize; 
A  living  prize  not  long  the  Trojan  stood; 
The  thirsty  falchion  drank  his  reeking  blood. 
Plunged  in  his  throat  the  smoking  weapon  lies; 
Black  death,  and  fate  nnpitying,  seal  his  eyes. 

Amid  the  ranks,  with  mutual  thirst  of  fame, 
Lycon  the  brave,  and  fierce  Peneleus  came; 
In  vain  their  javelins  at  each  other  flew. 
Now,  met  in  arms,  their  eager  swords  they  drew. 
On  the  plumed  crest  of  his  13oeotian  foe 
The  daring  Lycon  aim'd  a  noble  blow; 
The  sword  broke  short;  but  his,  Peneleus  sped 
Full  on  the  juncture  of  the  neck  and  head: 
The  head,  divided  by  a  stroke  so  just, 
Hung  by  the  skin;  the  body  sunk  to  dust. 

O'ertaken  Neiimas  by  Merion  bleeds, 
Pierced  through  the  shoulder  as  he  mounts  his  steeds, 
Back  from  the  car  he  tumbles  to  the  ground: 
His  swimming  eyes  eternal  shades  surround. 

JSText  Erymas  was  doom'd  his  fate  to  feel, 
His  open'd  mouth  received  the  Cretan  steel: 
Beneath  the  brain  the  point  a  passage  tore, 
Crash'd  the  thin  bones,  and  drown 'd  the  teeth  in  gore: 
His  mouth,  his  eyes,  his  nostrils,  pour  a  flood; 
He  sobs  his  soul  out  in  the  gush  of  blood. 

As  when  the  flocks  neglected  by  the  swain. 
Or  kids,  or  lambs,  lie  scatter'd  o'er  the  plain, 
A  troop  of  wolves  the  unguarded  charge  survey. 
And  rend  the  trembling,  unresisting  prey: 
Thus  on  the  foe  the  Greeks  impetuous  came; 
Troy  fled,  unmindful  of  her  former  fame. 

But  still  at  Hector  godlike  Ajax  aim'd, 
Still,  pointed  at  his  breast,  his  javelin  flamed. 
The  Trojan  chief,  experienced  in  the  field, 
O'er  his  broad  shoulders  spread  the  massy  shield. 
Observed  the  storm  of  darts  the  Grecians  pour, 
And  on  his  buckler  caught  the  ringing  shower: 


THE  ILIAD.  379 

He  sees  for  Greece  the  scale  of  conquest  rise, 
Yet  stops,  and  turns,  and  saves  his  loved  allies. 

As  when  the  hand  of  Jove  a  tempest  forms. 
And  rolls  the  cloud  to  blacken  heaven  with  storms, 
Dark  o'er  the  field  tlie  ascending  vapor  flies. 
And  shades  the  sun,  and  blots  the  golden  skies: 
So  from  the  ships,  along  the  dusky  plain. 
Dire  Flight  and  Terror  drove  the  Trojan  train. 
Even  Hector  fled;  through  heads  of  disarray 
The  fiery  coursers  forced  their  lord  away: 
While  far  behind  his  Trojans  fall  confused; 
Wetlged  in  the  trench,  in  one  vast  carnage  bruised*. 
Chariots  on  chariots  roll:  the  clashing  spokes 
Shock;  while    the  madding   steeds   break   short   their 

yokes. 
In  vain  they  labor  up  the  steepy  mound; 
Their  charioteers  lie  foaming  on  the  ground. 
Fierce  on  the  rear,  with  shouts  Patroclus  flies; 
Tumultuous  clamor  fills  the  fields  and  skies; 
Thick  drifts  of  dust  involve  their  rapid  flight; 
Clouds  rise  on  clouds,  and   heaven  is  snatch'd  from 

sight. 
The  afErighted  steeds  their  dying  lords  cast  down. 
Scour  o'er  the  fields,  and  stretch  to  reach  the  town. 
Loud  o'er  the  rout  was  heard  the  victoi's  cry, 
Wliere  the  war  bleeds,  and  where  the  thickest  die, 
Where  horse  and  arms,  and  chariots  lie  o'erthrown, 
And  bleeding  heroes  under  axles  groan. 
No  stop,  no  check,  the  steeds  of  Pelcus  knew: 
From  bank  to  bank  the  immortal  coursers  flew. 
High-bounding  o'er  the  fosse,  the  whirling  car 
Smokes  through  the  ranks,  o'ertalces  the  flying  war, 
And  tliundors  after  Hector:  Hector  flies, 
Patroclus  shakes  his  lance;  but  fate  denies. 
Not  with  less  noise,  with  less  impetuous  force 
The  tide  of  Trojans  urge  their  dosperate  course, 
Than  when  in  autumn  Jove  his  fury  pours. 
And  earth  is  loailciii  with  incessant  showers 
(Wlnm  guilty  moi'tal.s  break  the  (iternal  laws, 
Or  judges,  bribed,  betray  the  righteous  cause); 
From  their  deep  beds  he  bids  the  rivers  rise, 
And  opens  all  the  floodgates  of  the  skies: 
The  impetuous  torrents  from  their  hills  obey, 
Whole  fields  are  drown'd,  and  mountains  swept  away; 
Loud  roars  the  deluge  till  it  meets  the  main; 


380  THE  ILIAD. 

And  trembling  man  sees  all  his  labors  vain! 

And  now  the  chief  (the  foremost  troops  repell'd) 
Back  to  the  ships  his  destined  progress  held, 
Bore  down  half  Troy  in  his  resistless  way, 
And  forced  the  routed  ranks  to  stand  the  day. 
Between  the  space  where  silver  Simois  flows, 
Where  lay  the  fleets,  and  where  the  rampires  rose, 
All  grim  in  dust  and  blood  Patroclus  stands, 
And  turns  the  slaughter  on  the  conquering  bands. 
First  Pronoiis  died  beneath  his  fiery  dart, 
Wiiich  pierced  below  the  shield  his  valiant  heart. 
Thestor  was  next,  who  saw  the  chief  appear, 
And  fell  the  victim  of  his  coward  fear; 
IShrunk  up  he  sat,  with  wild  and  haggard  eye, 
Nor  stood  to  combat,  nor  had  force  to  fly; 
Patroclus  mark'd  him  as  he  shunn'd  the  war. 
And  with  unmanly  trembling  shook  the  car. 
And  dropp'd  the  flowing  reins.     Him  'twixt  the  jaws, 
The  javelin  sticks,  and  from  tlie  chariot  draws. 
As  on  a  rock  that  overhangs  the  main. 
An  angler,  studious  of  the  line  and  cane, 
Some  mighty  fish  draws  panting  to  the  shore: 
Not  with  less  ease  the  barbed  javelin  bore 
l^he  gaping  dastard;  as  tlie  spear  was  shook. 
He  fell,  and  life  his  heartless  breast  forsook. 

Next  on  Eryalus  he  flies;  a  stone. 
Large  as  a  rock,  was  by  his  fury  thrown: 
Full  on  his  crown  the  ponderous  fragment  flew, 
And  burst  the  helm,  and  cleft  the  head  in  two: 
Prone  to  the  ground  the  breathless  warrior  fell. 
And  death  involved  him  with  the  shades  of  hell. 
Then  low  in  dust  Epaltes,  Echius,  lie: 
Ipheas,  Evippus,  Polymelus,  die; 
Amphoterus  and  Erymas  succeed; 
And  last  Tlej)olemus  and  Pyres  bleed. 
Where'er  he  moves,  the  glowing  slaughters  spread 
In  heaps  on  heaps  a  monument  of  dead. 

When  now  Sarpedon  his  brave  friends  beheld 
Groveling  iji  dust,  and  gasping  on  the  field. 
With  this  reproach  his  flying  host  he  warns: 
"Oh  stain  to  honor!  oh  disgrace  to  arms! 
Forsake,  inglorious,  the  contented  plain; 
This  hand  unaided  shall  the  war  sustain; 
The  task  be  mine  this  hero's  strength  to  try. 
Who  mows  whole  troops,  and  makes  an  army  fly." 


THE  ILIAD.  381 

He  spake:  and,  speaking,  leaps  from  off  the  car; 
Patroclus  lights,  and  sternly  waits  the  war. 
As  when  two  vultures  on  the  mountain's  height 
Stoop  with  resounding  pinions  to  the  fight 
They  cuff,  they  tear,  they  raise  a  screaming  cry. 
The  desert  echoes,  and  the  rocks  reply: 
The  warriors  thus  opposed  in  arms,  engage 
With  equal  clamors,  and  with  equal  rage. 

Jove  view'd  the  combat:  whose  event  foreseen, 
He  thus  bespoke  his  sister  and  his  queen: 
"The  hour  draws  on;  the  destinies  ordain, *_ 
My  godlike  son  shall  press  the  Phrygian  plain: 
Already  on  the  verge  of  death  he  stands, 
His  life  is  owed  to  fierce  Patroclus'  hands, 
What  passions  in  a  parent's  breast  debate! 
Say,  shall  I  snatch  him  from  impending  fate. 
And  send  him  safe  to  Lycia,  distant  far 
From  all  the  dangers  and  the  toils  of  war, 
Or  to  his  doom  my  bravest  offspring  yield, 
And  fatten,  with  celestial  blood,  the  field." 
Tiien  thus  the  goddess  with  the  radiant  eyes: 
"What  words  arc  these,  0  sovereign  of  the  skies! 

*  77ie  destinies  ordnin.  "In  tlie  niytbologry,  also,  of  tlie  Tliad, 
purely  Pagan  as  it  is,  we  discover  one  important  truth  uncon- 
sciously involved,  which  was  almost  entirely  lost  from  view 
amidst' the  nearly  equal  skepticism  and  credulity  of  subsequent 
ages.  Zeus  or  Jajjiter  is  jjopularly  to  be  taken  as  omnipotent. 
No  distinct  empire  is  assigned  to  fate  or  fortune;  the  will  of  the 
father  of  gods  and  men  is  absolute  and  uncontrnllaI)le.  'I'his 
seems  to  be  the  true  character  of  the  Homeric  deity,  and  it  is  very 
necessary  that  the  student  of  (Jreek  literature  should  bear  it  con- 
stantly in  mind.  A  strong  instance  in  the  Iliad  itself  to  illustrate 
this  ]>osition,  is  the  passage  where  Jupiter  laments  to  Juno  the 
approaching  diath  of  Sarjjedou.  '  Alas  me!'  says  he,  '  since  it  is 
fated  (noifnt)  that  Sarpedon,  dearest  to  me  of  men,  should  be 
slain  by  Patroclus,  tlie  son  of  Mcnretius!  Indeed,  my  heart  is 
divided  withiu  me  while  1  ruminatt;  it  in  my  mind,  whether  hav- 
ing snatched  him  up  from  out  the  lamentable  battle,  I  should 
not  at  once  place  him  alive  in  the  fertile  land  of  his  own  Lycia, 
or  whether  I  should  now  destroy  liim  by  the  linnds  of  the  son  of 
Menretius!'  To  which  Juno  answers,  '  Dost  thou  mean  to 
rescue  from  death  a  mortal  man,  long  since  rlestined  by  fate 
{ndXiXi  nf.TTfjwr/tyov}'!  \<in  may  do  it — l)ul  we,  the  rest  of  the 
gods,  do  not  sanction  it.'  Here  it  is  clenr  from  both  speala^rs, 
that,  although  Sarpedon  is  said  to  be  fated  to  die,  Jupiter  might 
still,  if  he  ideased,  save  him,  and  place  liim  entirely  out  of  the 
reach  of  any  such  event,  and  furtlier,  in  the  alternative,  that 
Jupiter  himself  would  de.^troy  him  l)y  the  hands  of  another." — 
Coleridge,  p.  156,  seq. 


382  THE  ILIAD. 

Short  is  the  date  prescribed  to  mortal  man 

Shall  Jove  for  one  extend  the  narrow  span, 

Whose  bounds  were  fixed  before  his  race  began? 

How  man}'  sons  of  gods,  foredoom'd  to  death, 

Before  proud  Ilion  must  resign  their  breath! 

Were  thine  exempt,  debate  would  rise  above, 

And  murmuring  powers  condemn  their  partial  Jove. 

Give  the  bold  chief  a  glorious  fate  in  fight. 

And  when  the  ascending  soul  has  wing'd  her  flight 

Let  Sleep  and  Death  convey,  by  thy  command. 

The  breathless  body  to  his  native  land. 

His  friends  and  people,  to  his  future  praise, 

A  marble  tomb  and  pyramid  shall  raise, 

And  lasting  honors  to  his  ashes  give; 

His  fame  ('tis  all  the  dead  can  have)  shall  live." 

She  said:  the  cloud-compeller,  overcome, 
Assents  to  fate,  and  ratifies  the  doom. 
Then  tonch'd  with  grief,  the  weeping  heavens  distill'd 
A  shower  of  blood  o'er  all  the  fatal  field : 
The  god,  his  eyes  averting  from  the  plain. 
Laments  his  son,  predestined  to  be  slain. 
Far  from  the  Lycian  shores,  his  happy  native  reign. 
Now  met  in  arms,  the  combatants  appear; 
Each  heaved  the  shield,  and  pcised  the  lifted  spear; 
From  strong  Patroclus'  hand  the  javelin  fled. 
And  pass'd  the  groin  of  valiant  Thrasymed; 
The  nerves  unbraced  no  more  his  bulk  sustain, 
He  falls,  and  falling  bites  the  bloody  plain. 
Two  sounding  darts  the  Lycian  leader  threw: 
The  first  aloof  with  erriug  fury  flew. 
The  next  transpierced  Achilles'  mortal  steed. 
The  generous  Pedasus  of  Theban  breed: 
Fix'd  in  the  shoulder's  joint,  he  reel'd  around, 
Eoll'd    in    the   bloody   dust,  and   paw'd    tlie   slippery 

ground. 
His  sudden  fall  the  entangled  harness  broke; 
Each  axle  crackled,  and  the  chariot  shook: 
When  bold  Automedon,  to  disengage 
The  starting  coursers,  and  restrain  their  rage, 
Divides  the  traces  with  his  sword,  and  freed 
The  encumbered  chariot  from  the  dying  steed: 
The  rest  move  on,  obedient  to  the  rein: 
The  car  rolls  slowly  o'er  the  dusty  plain. 

The  towering  chiefs  to  fiercer  fight  advance: 
And  first  Sarpedon  whirl'd  his  weighty  lance, 


THE  ILIAD.  383 

Which  o'er  the  warrior'd  shoulder  took  its  course, 
And  spent  in  empty  air  its  dying  force. 
]S^ot  so  Patroclus'  never-erring  dart; 
Aim'd  at  his  breast  it  pierced  a  mortal  part, 
Where  the  strong  fibres  bind  the  solid  heart. 
Then  as  the  mountain  oak,  or  poplar  tall, 
Or  pine  (fit  mast  for  some  great  admiral) 
Xods  to  the  axe,  till  with  a  groaning  sound 
It  sinks,  and  spreads  its  honors  on  the  ground, 
Thus  fell  the  king;  and  laid  on  earth  supine. 
Before  his  chariot  stretch'd  his  form  divine: 
He  grasp'd  the  dust  distain'd  with  streaming  gore, 
And,  pale  in  death,  lay  groaning  on  the  shore. 
So  lies  a  ball  beneath  the  lion's  paws, 
While  the  grim  savage  grinds  with  foamy  jaws 
The  trembling  limbs,  and  sucks  the  smoking  blood; 
Deep  groans,  and  hollow  roars,  rebellow  through  the 
wood. 
Then  to  the  leader  of  the  Lycian  band 
The  dying  chief  address'd  his  last  command: 
"Glaucus,  be  bold;  thy  task  be  first  to  dare 
The  glorious  dangers  of  destructive  war, 
To  lead  my  troops,  to  combat  at  their  head. 
Incite  the  living,  and  supply  the  dead. 
Tell  them,  I  charged  them  with  my  latest  breath 
Not  unrevenged  to  bear  Sarpedon's  death. 
What  grief,  what  shame,  must  Glaucus  undergo 
If  these  spoil'd  arms  adorn  a  Grecian  foe! 
Then  as  a  friend,  and  as  a  warrior  fight; 
J)efend  my  body,  conquer  in  my  right: 
That,  taught  by  great  examples,  all  may  try 
Like  thee  to  vanf(uisli,  or  like  me  to  die." 
He  ceased;  the  Fates  suppress'd  his  laboring  breath, 
Aiul  his  eyes  darken'd  with  the  shades  of  death. 
The  insulting  victor  with  disdain  bestrode 
The  prostrate  prince,  and  on  his  bosom  trod; 
Then  drew  the  weapon  from  his  panting  heart, 
The  reeking  (il)rcs  clinging  to  the  dart; 
From  the  wide  wouiul  giish'd  out  a  stream  of  blood, 
And  the  soul  issued  in  the  purple  Hood. 
His  flying  steeds  the  Myrmidons  ilctain, 
Ilnguided  now,  their  mighty  master  slain. 
All-impotent  of  aid,  transfix'd  with  grief, 
Unhappy  Glaucus  heard  the  dying  chief: 
His  painful  arm,  yet  useless  with  the  smart 


384  THE  ILIAD. 

Inflicted  late  by  Teucer's  deadly  dart, 
Supported  on  his  better  hand  he  stay'd: 
To  Phoebus  then  ('twas  all  he  could)  he  pray'd: 
"All-seeing  monarch!  whether  Lycia's  coast, 
Or  sacred  Ilion,  thy  bright  presence  boast, 
Powerful  alike  to  ease  the  wretch's  smart; 

0  hear  me!  god  of  every  healing  art! 

Lo!  stiff  with  clotted  blood,  and  pierced  with  pain, 
That  thrills  my  arm,  and  shoots  through  every  vein, 

1  stand  unable  to  sustain  the  spear, 

And  sigh,  at  distance  from  the  glorious  war. 
Low  in  the  dust  is  great  Sarpedon  laid, 
Nor  Jove  vouchsafed  his  hapless  offspring  aid; 
But  thou,  0  god  of  health!  thy  succor  lend. 
To  guard  the  relics  of  my  slaughter'd  friend: 
For  thou,  though  distant,  canst  restore  my  might. 
To  head  my  Lycians,  and  support  the  fight.'' 

Apollo  heard;  and,  suppliant  as  he  stood. 
His  heavenly  hand  restrain'd  the  flux  of  blood; 
He  drew  the  dolors  from  the  wounded  part, 
And  breathed  a  spirit  in  his  rising  heart. 
Kenew'd  by  art  divine,  the  hero  stands, 
And  owns  the  assistance  of  immortal  hands. 
First  to  the  fight  his  native  troops  he  warms. 
Then  loudly  calls  on  Troy's  vindictive  arras; 
With  ample  strides  he  stalks  from  place  to  place; 
Now  fires  Agenor,  now  Polydamas: 
^neas  next,  and  Hector  he  accosts; 
Inflaming  thus  the  rage  of  all  their  hosts. 

"What  thoughts,  regardless  chief!  thy  breast  employ? 
Oh  too  forgetful  of  the  friends  of  Troy! 
Those  generous  friends,  who,  from  their  country  far. 
Breathe  their  brave  souls  out  in  another's  war. 
See!  where  in  dust  the  great  Sarpedon  lies, 
In  action  valiant,  and  in  council  wise, 
Who  guarded  right,  and  kept  his  people  free; 
To  all  his  Lycians  lost,  and  lost  to  thee! 
Stretch'd  by  Patroclus'  arm  on  yonder  plains, 
0  save  from  hostile  rage  his  loved  remains! 
Ah  let  not  Greece  his  conquer'd  trophies  boast. 
Nor  on  his  corse  revenge  her  heroes  lost!" 

He  spoke:  each  leader  in  his  grief  partook: 
Troy,  at  the  loss,  through  all  her  legions  shook. 
Transfix'd  with  deep  regret,  tl;ey  view  o'erthrown 
At  once  his  country's  pillar,  and  their  own; 


THE  ILIAD.  385 

A  chief,  who  led  to  Troy's  beleaguer'd  wall 
A  host  of  heroes,  and  oiitshined  them  all. 
Fired,  they  rush  on;  first  Hector  seeks  the  foes, 
And  with  superior  vengeance  greatly  glows. 

But  o'er  the  dead  the  fierce  Patrocliis  stands, 
And  rousing  Ajax,  roused  the  listening  bands: 

"Heroes,  be  men;  be  what  you  were  before; 
Or  ■weigh  the  great  occasion,  and  be  more. 
The  chief  who  taught  our  lofty  walls  to  yield, 
Lies  pale  in  death,  extended  on  the  field. 
To  guard  his  body  Troy  in  numbers  flies; 
'Tis  half  the  glory  to  maintain  our  prize. 
Haste,  strip  his  arms,  the  slaughter  round  him  spread. 
And  send  the  living  Lycians  to  tbe  dead. 

The  heroes  kindle  at  his  fierce  command; 
The  martial  squadrons  close  on  either  hand: 
Here  Troy  and  Lyoia  charge  with  loud  alarms, 
Thessalia  there,  and  Greece,  oppose  their  arms. 
With  horrid  shouts  they  circle  round  the  slain; 
The  clash  of  armor  rings  o'er  all  the  plain. 
Great  Jove,  to  swell  the  horrors  of  the  fight. 
O'er  the  fierce  armies  pours  pernicious  night. 
And  round  his  son  confounds  the  warring  hosts, 
His  fate  ennobling  with  a  crowd  of  gliosis. 

Now  Greece  gives  way,  and  great  Epigeus  falls; 
Agacleus'  son,  from  Budium's  lofty  walls; 
Who  chased  for  murder  thence  a  suppliant  camo 
To  Peleus,  and  the  silver-footed  dame; 
Now  sent  to  Troy,  Achilles'  arms  to  aid, 
He  pays  due  vengeance  to  his  kinsman's  »hade. 
Soon  as  his  luckless  hand  had  toucli'd  the  dead, 
A  rock's  large  fragment  thunder'd  on  his  head; 
Hurl'd  by  Ilectorean  force  it  cleft  in  twain 
His  shatter'd  helm,  and  stretch'd  him  o'er  the  slain. 

Fierce  to  the  van  of  fight  Patroclus  came, 
And,  like  an  eagle  darting  at  his  game, 
Sprung  on  the  'J'rojan  aiul  tlie  Ly(uan  l)and. 
What  grief  thy  lieart,  wiiat  fury  urged  thy  hand, 
0  generous  CJreek!  when  with  full  vigor  thrown, 
At  StlieiK'laiis  flew  tlie  weighty  stone, 
Which  sunk  iiiin  to  the  dead:  when  Troy,  too  near 
That  arm,  drew  back;  and  Hector  learn'd  to  fear. 
Far  as  an  able  hand  a  lance  can  throw, 
Or  at  the  lists,  or  at  the  lighting  foe; 
So  far  tlie  Trojans  from  their  lines  retired; 


386  THE  ILIAD. 

Till  Glanciis,  tnrning,  all  the  rest  inspired. 

Theu  Batbyclgens  fell  beneath  his  rage, 

The  only  hope  of  Chalcon's  trembling  age; 

AVide  o'er  the  land  was  stretch'd  his  large  domain, 

With  stately  seats,  and  riches  blest  in  vain: 

Him,  bold  with  youth,  and  eager  to  pursue 

The  flying  Lycians,  Glaucus  met  and  slew; 

Pierced  through  the  bosom  with  a  sudden  wound. 

He  fell,  and  falling  made  the  fields  resound. 

The  Achaians  sorrow  for  their  heroes  slain; 

With  conquering  shouts  the  Trojans  shake  the  plain, 

And  crowd  to  spoil  the  dead:  the  Greeks  oppose; 

An  iron  circle  round  the  carcase  grows. 

Then  brave  Laogonus  resign'd  bis  breath, 
Despatch'd  by  Merion  to  the  shades  of  death: 
On  Ida's  holy  hill  he  made  abode, 
The  priest  of  Jove,  and  honor'd  like  his  god. 
Between  the  jaw  and  ear  the  javelin  went; 
The  soul,  exhaling,  issued  at  the  vent. 
His  spear  ^Eneas  at  the  victor  threw. 
Who  stooping  forward  from  the  death  withdrew; 
The  lance  hiss'd  harmless  o'er  bis  covering  shield, 
And  trembling  struck,  and  rooted  in  the  field; 
There  yet  scarce  spent,  it  quivers  on  the  plain, 
Sent  by  the  great  ^Eneas'  arm  in  vain. 
"Swift  as  thou  art  (the  raging  hero  cries), 
And  skill'd  in  dancing  to  dispute  the  prize, 
My  spear,  the  destined  passage  had  it  found. 
Had  fix'd  tby  active  vigor  to  the  ground." 

"0  valiant  leader  of  the  Dardan  host! 
(Insulted  Merion  thus  retorts  the  boast) 
Strong  as  you  are,  'tis  mortal  force  you  trust. 
An  arm  as  strong  may  stretch  thee  in  the  dust. 
And  if  to  this  my  lance  thy  fate  be  given, 
Vain  are  thy  vaunts;  success  is  still  from  heaven: 
This,  instant,  sends  thee  down  to  Pluto's  coast; 
Mine  is  the  glory,  his  thy  parting  ghost." 

"0  friend  (Menoetius'  son  this  answer  gave), 
With  words  to  combat,  ill  befits  the  brave; 
Not  empty  boasts  the  sons  of  Troy  repel. 
Your  swords  must  plunge  them  to  the  shades  of  hell. 
To  speak,  beseems  the  council;  but  to  dare 
In  glorious  action,  is  the  task  of  war." 

This  said,  Patroclus  to  the  battle  flies; 
Great  Merion  follows,  and  new  shouts  arise: 


THE  ILIAD.  38 

Shields,  helmets  rattle,  as  the  warriors  close; 
And  thick  aud  heavy  sounds  the  storm  of  blows. 
As  through  the  shrilling  vale,  or  mountain  ground, 
The  labors  of  the  woodman's  axe  resound; 
Blows  following  blows  are  heard  re-echoing  wide, 
While  crackling  forests  fall  on  ever}^  side: 
Thus  echoed  all  the  fields  with  loud  alarms, 
.So  fell  the  warriors,  and  so  rung  their  arms. 

Now  great  Sarpedon  on  the  sandy  shore. 
His  heavenly  form  defaced  with  dust  and  gore, 
.Vnd  stuck  with  darts  by  warring  heroes  shed. 
Lies  undistingnish'd  from  the  vulgar  dead. 
His  long-disputed  corse  the  chiefs  enclose, 
On  every  side  the  busy  combat  grows; 
Thick  as  beneath  some  shepherd's  thatch'd  abode 
(The  pails  high  foaming  with  a  milky  flood) 
The  buzzing  flies,  a  persevering  train. 
Incessant  swarm,  and  chased  return  again. 

Jove  view'd  the  combat  with  a  stern  survey, 
Aud  eyes  that  flash 'd  intolerable  day. 
Fix'd  on  the  field  his  sight,  his  breast  debates 
The  vengeance  due,  and  meditates  the  fates: 
Whether  to  urge  their  prompt  effect,  and  call 
The  force  of  Hector  to  Patroclus'  fall, 
This  instant  see  his  short-lived  trophies  won, 
And  stretch  him  breathless  on  his  slaughter'd  son; 
Or  yet,  with  many  a  soul's  untimely  flight, 
Augment  the  fame,  and  horror  of  the  fight. 
To  crown  Achilles'  valiant  friend  with  praise 
At  length  he  dooms;  and,  that  his  last  of  days 
Shall  set  in  glory,  bids  him  drive  the  foe; 
Nor  unattemled  see  the  shades  below. 
Then  Hector's  mind  he  fills  with  dire  dismay; 
Ho  mounts  his  car,  and  calls  his  hosts  away; 
Sunk  with  Troy's  heavy  fates,  he  sees  decline 
The  scales  of  Jove,  and  pants  with  awe  divine. 

Then,  nor  before,  the  hardy  Lycians  fled. 
An  1  left  their  monarch  with  the  common  dead; 
Around,  in  heaps  on  heaps,  a  dreadful  wall 
Of  carnage  rises,  as  the  heroes  fall. 
(So  Jove  decreed!)     At  length  the  Greeks  obtain 
The  prize  contested,  and  despoil  the  slain. 
The  radiant  arms  are  by  Patroclus  borne; 
Patroclus'  ships  the  glorious  spoils  adorn. 


388  THE  ILIAD. 

Then  thus  to  Phcebus,  in  the  realms  above, 
Spoke  from  his  throne  the  cloud-compelling  Jove: 
"Descend,  my  Phoebus!  on  the  Phrygian  plain, 
And  from  the  fight  convey  Sarpedon  slain; 
Then  bathe  his  body  in  the  crystal  flood. 
With  dust  dishonor'd,  and  deform'd  with  blood; 
O'er  all  his  limbs  ambrosial  odors  shed. 
And  with  celestial  robes  adorn  the  dead. 
Those  rites  discharged,  his  sacred  corse  bequeath 
To  the  soft  arms  of  silent  Sleep  and  Death. 
They  to  his  friends  the  immortal  charge  shall  bear; 
His  friends  a  tomb  and  pyramid  shall  rear; 
What  honor  mortals  after  death  receive, 
Those  unavailing  honors  we  may  give!" 

Apollo  bows,  and  from  Mount  Ida's  height, 
Swift  to  the  field  precipitates  his  flight; 
Thence  from  the  war  the  breathless  hero  bore, 
Veil'd  in  a  cloud,  to  silver  Simoi's'  shore; 
There  bathed  his  honorable  wounds,  and  dress'd 
His  manly  members  in  the  immortal  vest; 
And  with  perfumes  of  sweet  ambrosial  dews 
Eestores  his  freshness  and  his  form  renews. 
Then  Sleep  and  Death,  two  twins  of  winged  race. 
Of  matchless  swiftness,  but  of  silent  pace, 
Eeceived  Sarpedon,  at  the  God's  command. 
And  in  a  moment  reach'd  the  Lycian  land; 
The  corse  amidst  his  weeping  friends  they  laid, 
Where  endless  honors  wait  the  sacred  shade. 

Meanwhile  Patroclus  pours  along  the  plains. 
With  foaming  coursers,  and  Avith  loosen 'd  reins. 
Pierce  on  the  Trojan  and  the  Lycian  crew, 
Ah  blind  to  fate!  thy  headlong  fury  flew: 
Against  what  fate  and  powerful  Jove  ordain. 
Vain  was  thy  friend's  command,  thy  courage  vain, 
For  he,  the  god,  whose  counsels  uncontroll'd 
Dismay  the  mighty,  and  confound  the  bold; 
The  god  who  gives,  resumes,  and  orders  all. 
He  urged  thee  on,  and  urged  thee  on  to  fall. 

Who  first,  brave  hero!  by  that  arm  was  slain. 
Who  last  beneath  thy  vengeance  j^ress'd  the  plain; 
AVheu  heaven  itself  thy  fatal  fury  led. 
And  call'd  to  fill  the  number  of  the  dead? 
Adrestus  first;  Autonoiis  then  succeeds; 
Echeclus  follows;  next  young  Megas  bleeds; 
Epistor,  Melanippus,  bite  the  ground; 


THE  ILIAD.  389 

The  slaughter,  Elasus  and  Mnlius  crown'd; 

Then  sunk  Pylartes  to  eternal  night; 

The  rest,  dispersing,  trust  their  fates  to  flight. 

Now  Tro}'  had  stoop'd  beneath  his  matchless  power, 
But  flaming  Phoebus  kept  the  sacred  tower. 
Thrice  at  the  battlements  Patroclus  strook;* 
His  blazing  a^gis  thrice  Apollo  shook; 
He  tried  the  fourth;  when,  bursting  from  the  cloud, 
A  more  than  mortal  voice  was  heard  aloud: 

"Patroclus!  cease;  this  heaven-defended  wall 
Defies  thy  lance;  not  fated  yet  to  fall; 
Thy  friend,  thy  greater  far,  it  shall  withstand, 
Troy  shall  not  stoop  even  to  Achilles'  hand." 

So  spoke  the  god  who  darts  celestial  fires; 
The  Greek  obeys  him,  and  with  awe  retires: 
While  Hector,  checking  at  the  Sctean  gates 
His  panting  coursers,  in  his  breast  debates. 
Or  in  the  field  his  forces  to  employ, 
Or  draw  the  troops  within  the  walls  of  Troy. 
Thus  while  he  thought,  beside  him  Phoebus  stood, 
In  Asius'  shape,  who  reigned  by  Sangar's  flood 
(Thy  brother,  Hecuba  I  from  Dymas  sprung, 
A  valiant  warrior,  hauglity,  bold,  and  young); 
Thus  he  accosts  him:  "\\'hat  a  slnimeful  sight! 
Ocd!  is  it  Hector  that  forbears  the  fight? 
Were  thine  my  vigor  this  successful  spear 
Should  soon  convince  thee  of  so  false  a  fear. 
Turn  thee,  ah  turn  thee  to  the  field  of  fame. 
And  in  Patroclus'  blood  efface  thy  shame. 
Perhaps  Apollo  shall  thy  arms  succeed, 
And  heaven  ordains  iiim  by  thy  lance  to  bleed." 

So  spoke  the  inspiring  god;  then  took  his  flight, 
And  plunged  amidst  the  tumult  of  the  figlit. 

*  Thrice  at  the  battlements.  "  'I'lie  art  military  of  the  Homeric 
age  is  ui)f>i;  a  level  with  the  state  of  navigation  jii'-t  described; 
])ersoDal  prowess  decided  evervthinfr:  thc!  night  attack  and  the 
ambuscade,  although  much  esteemed,  were  never  uprm  a  large 
scale.  The  chiefs  figlit  in  advance,  and  enact  almost  as  much  as 
the  knights  of  romance,  'i'he  siege  of  Troy  was  as  little  like  a 
modern  .'^ic'ge  as  a  CM|itain  in  the  guards  is  like  Achilles.  There 
is  no  mention  of  a  ditch  or  any  ot her  line  or  work  round  the  town, 
and  the  wall  itself  was  accessil)le  without  a  lailder.  It  was 
proiialdy  a  vast  mound  f)f  earth  with  a  declivity  outwards. 
Patroclus  thrice  mounts  it  in  armor.  The  Trojans  are  in  no  re- 
spects blockaded,  and  receivi-  assistance  from  tbiir  allies  to  the 
very  end." — Coleridge,  p.  212. 


390  THE  ILIAD. 

He  bids  Cebrion  drive  the  rapid  car; 

The  lash  resounds,  the  coursers  rusli  to  war. 

The  god  the  Grecians'  sinking  souls  depress'd, 

And  pour'd  swift  spirits  through  eacli  Trojan  breast. 

Patroclus  lights,  impatient  for  the  fight; 

A  spear  his  left,  a  stone  employs  his  right: 

With  all  his  nerves  he  drives  it  at  the  foe. 

Pointed  above,  and  rough  and  gross  below: 

The  falling  ruin  crush'd  Cebrion's  head, 

The  lawless  offspring  of  king  Priam's  bed: 

His  front,  brows,  eyes,  one  undistinguish'd  wound: 

The  bursting  balls  drop  sightless  to  the  ground. 

The  charioteer,  while  yet  he  held  the  rein, 

Struck  from  the  car,  falls  headlong  on  the  plain.  . 

To  the  dark  shades  the  soul  unwilling  glides, 

While  the  proud  victor  thus  his  fall  derides. 

"Good  heaven!  what  active  feats  yon  artist  shows! 
What  skillful  divers  are  our  Phrygian  foes! 
Mark  with  what  ease  they  sink  into  the  sand! 
Pity  that  all  their  jiractice  is  by  land!" 

Then  rushing  sudden  on  his  prostrate  prize. 
To  spoil  the  carcase  fierce  Patroclus  flies: 
Swift  as  a  lion,  terrible  and  bold, 
That  sweeps  the  field,  depq.pulates  the  fold; 
Pierced  through  the  dauntless  heart,  then  tumbles  slain, 
And  from  his  fatal  courage  finds  his  bane. 
At  once  bold  Hector,  leaping  from  his  car, 
Defends  the  body,  and  provokes  the  war. 
Thus  for  some  slanghter'd  hind,  with  equal  rage, 
Two  lordly  rulers  of  the  wood  engage; 
Stung  with  fierce  hunger,  each  the  prey  invades. 
And  echoing  roars  rebellow  through  the  shades. 
Stern  Hector  fastens  on  the  warrior's  head, 
And  by  the  foot  Patroclus  drags  the  dead: 
While  all  around,  confusion,  rage,  and  fright, 
Mix  the  contending  hosts  in  mortal  fight. 
So  pent  by  hills,  the  wild  winds  roar  aloud 
In  the  deep  bosom  of  some  gloomy  wood; 
Ticaves,  arms,  and  trees,  aloft  in  air  are  blown. 
The  broad  oaks  crackle,  and  the  Sylvans  groan; 
This  way  and  that,  the  rattling  thicket  bends, 
And  the  whole  forest  in  one  crash  descends. 
Not  with  less  noise,  with  less  tumultuous  rage. 
In  dreadful  shock  the  mingled  hosts  engage; 
Darts  shower'd  on  darts,  now  round  the  carcase  ring; 


THE  ILIAD.  391 

Now  flights  of  arrows  bounding  from  the  string: 
Stones  follow  stones;  some  clatter  on  the  fields, 
Some  hard,  and  heavy,  shake  the  sounding  shields. 
But  where  the  rising  whirlwind  clouds  the  plains, 
Sunk  in  soft  dust  the  mighty  chief  remains. 
And,  stretch'd  in  death,  forgets  the  guiding  reins! 

Now  flaming  from  the  zenith,  Sol  had  driven 
His  fervid  orb  through  half  the  vault  of  heaven; 
While  on  each  host  with  equal  tempests  fell 
The  showering  darts,  and  numbers  sank  to  hell. 
But  when  his  evening  wheels  o'erhung  the  main. 
Glad  conquest  rested  on  the  Grecian  train. 
Then  from  amidst  the  tumult  and  alarms. 
They  draw  the  conquer'd  corse  and  radiant  arms. 
Then  rash  Patroclus  with  new  fury  glows. 
And  breathing  slaughter,  pours  amid  the  foes. 
Thrice  on  the  press  like  Mars  himself  he  flew. 
And  thrice  three  heroes  at  each  onset  slew, 
Tiiere  ends  thy  glory!  tliere  the  Fates  untwine 
Tlie  last  black  remnant  of  so  bright  a  line; 
Apollo  dreadful  stops  thy  middle  way; 
Death  calls,  and  heaven  allows  no  longer  day! 

For  lo!  the  god  in  dusky  clouds  enshrined, 
Approaching  dealt  a  staggering  blow  behind. 
The  weighty  shock  his  neck  and  siioulders  feel;   . 
His  eyes  flash  sparkles,  his  stunn'd  senses  reel 
In  giddy  darkness:  far  to  distance  flung, 
His  bounding  helmet  on  the  champaign  rung. 
Achilles'  plume  is  stain'd  with  dust  and  gore; 
That  plume  wiiicli  never  stoojj'd  to  earth  before; 
Long  used,  untouch'd,  in  fighting  fields  to  shine, 
And  shade  the  temples  of  the  mad  divine. 
Jove  dooms  it  now  on  Hector's  helm  to  nod; 
Xot  long — for  fate  pursues  him,  and  the  god. 

His  spear  in  shivers  falls;  his  ample  shield 
Drops  from  his  arm:  his  baldric  strows  the  field: 
The  corslet  his  astonish'd  breast  forsakes: 
Loose  is  each  joint;  each  nerve  with  horror  shakes; 
Stupid  ho  stares,  and  all-assistless  stands: 
Such  is  t!ie  force  of  more  than  mortal  hands! 

A  Danlan  youth  there  was,  well-known  to  fame, 
From  Panthns  sprung,  Kiiphorbus  was  his  name. 
Famed  for  the  manage  of  the  foaming  horse, 
Skill'd  in  the  dart,  and  matchless  in  the  ccturae: 
Full  twenty  kniglits  he  tumbled  from  the  car, 


393  THE  ILIAD. 

While  yet  he  learn'd  liis  rmlimeiits  of  war. 

His  venturous  spear  first  drew  the  hero's  gore; 

He  struck,  he  wounded,  but  lie  durst  no  more. 

Nor,  though  disarm'd,  Patroclus'  fury  stood: 

But  swift  withdrew  the  long-protended  wood, 

And  turn'd  him  short,  and  herded  in  the  crowd. 

Thus,  by  an  arm  divine,  and  mortal  spear, 

Wounded,  at  once,  Patroclus  yields  to  fear, 

Retires  for  succor  to  his  social  train. 

And  flies  the  fate,  which  heaven  decreed,  in  vain. 

Stern  Hector,  as  the  bleeding  chief  he  views. 

Breaks  through  the  ranks,  and  his  retreat  pursues; 

The  lance  arrests  him  with  a  mortal  wound; 

He  falls,  earth  thunders,  and  his  arms  resound. 

With  him  all  Greece  was  sunk;  that  moment  all 

Her  yet-surviving  heroes  seem'd  to  fall. 

So,  scorch'd  v/ith  heat,  along  the  desert  score, 

The  roaming  lion  meets  a  bristly  boar, 

Fast  by  tlie  spring;  they  both  dispute  the  flood. 

With  flaming  eyes,  and  jaws  besmear'd  with  blood; 

At  length  the  sovereign  savage  wins  the  strife; 

And  the  torn  boar  resigns  his  thirst  and  life. 

Patroclus  thus,  so  many  chiefs  o'er  thrown, 

So  many  lives  effused,  expires  his  own. 

As  dying  now  at  Hector's  feet  he  lies. 

He  sternly  views  him,  and  triumphant  cries: 

"Lie  there,  Patroclus!  and  witb  thee,  the  joy 
Thy  pride  once  promised,  of  subverting  Troy; 
The  fancied  scenes  of  Ilion  wrapt  in  flames. 
And  thy  soft  pleasures  served  with  captive  dames. 
Unthinking  man!     I  fought  those  towers  to  free. 
And  guard  that  beauteous  race  from  lords  like  thee: 
But  tiiou  a  prey  to  vultures  shalt  be  made; 
Thy  own  Achilles  cannot  lend  thee  aid; 
Though  much  at  parting  that  great  chief  might  say. 
And  much  enjoin  thee,  this  important  day. 

'Return  not,  my  brave  friend  (perhaps  he  said), 
Without  the  bloody  arms  of  Hector  dead.' 
He  spoke,  Patroclus  march 'd,  and  thus  he  sped." 

Supine,  and  wildly  gazing  on  the  skies. 
With  faint,  expiring  breath,  the  chief  replies: 

•'Vain  boaster!  cease,  and  know  the  powers  divine! 
Jove's  and  Apollo's  is  this  deed,  not  thine; 
To  heaven  is  owed  whate'er  your  own  you  call, 
And  heaven  itself  disarm'd  me  ere  my  fall. 


THE  ILIAD.  393 

Had  twenty  mortals,  each  thy  match  in  might, 

Opposed  me  fairly,  they  had  sunk  in  fight: 

By  fate  and  Phrebus  was  I  first  o'erthrown, 

Euphorbus  next:  the  third  mean  part  thy  own. 

But  thou,  iniperiousi  hear  my  latest  breath; 

The  gods  inspire  it,  and  it  sounds  thy  death: 

Insulting  man,  thou  shalt  be  soon  as  I; 

Black  fate  o'erhangs  thee,  and  thy  hour  draws  nigh; 

Even  now  on  life's  last  verge  I  see  thee  stand, 

I  see  thee  fall,  and  by  Achilles'  hand." 

He  faints:  the  soul  unwilling  wings  her  way 
(The  beauteous  body  left  a  load  of  clay), 
Flits  to  the  lone,  uncomfortable  coast; 
A  naked,  wandering,  melancholy  ghost! 

Then  Hector  pausing,  as  his  eyes  he  fed 
On  the  pale  carcase,  thus  address'd  the  dead: 

"From  whence  this  boding  speech,  the  stern  decree 
Of  death  denounced,  or  why  denounced  to  me? 
Wiiy  not  as  well  Achilles'  fate  be  given 
To  Hector's  lance?     Who  knows  tlie  will  of  heaven?" 

Pensive  he  said;  then  pressing  as  he  lay 
His  breathless  bosom,  tore  the  lance  away; 
And  upwards  cast  the  corse;  the  reeking  spear 
He  shakes,  and  charges  the  bold  charioteer. 
But  swift  Automedon  witii  loosen'd  reins 
Rapt  in  the  chariot  o'er  the  distant  plains. 
Far  from  his  rage  the  immortal  coursers  drove; 
The  immortal  coursers  were  the  gift  of  Jove. 


394  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  XVII. 

AKGUMENT. 

THE   SEVENTH   BATTLE,    FOE    THE    BODY   OF   PATEOCLUS 
— THE   ACTS   OF   MENELAFS. 

Menelaiis,  upon  the  death  of  Patroclus,  defends  his  body  from 
the  enemy:  Euphorbus,  who  attempts  it,  is  slain.  Hector 
advancing,  Menelaiis  retires;  but  soon  returns  with  Ajax 
and  drives  him  off.  This,  Glaiicus  objects  to  Hector  as  a 
flight,  who  thereupon  puts  on  the  armor  he  had  won  from 
Patroclus,  and  renews  the  battle.  The  (ireeks  give  way,  till 
Ajax  rallies  them:  jEneas  sustains  the  Trojans.  yEneas  and 
Hector  attempt  the  chariot  of  Achilles,  which  is  borne  off  by 
Automedon.  The  horses  of  Achilles  deplore  the  loss  of 
Patroclus:  Jupiter  covers  his  body  with  a  thick  darkness: 
the  noble  prayer  of  Ajax  on  that  occasion.  Menelaiis  sends 
Antilochus  to  Achilles,  with  the  news  of  Patroclus'  death: 
then  returns  to  the  fight,  where,  though  attacked  with  the 
utmost  fury,  he  and  Meriones,  assisted  by  the  Ajaces,  bear 
off  the  body  to  the  ships. 

The  time  is  the  evening  of  the  eight-and-twentieth  day. 
The  scene  lies  in  the  fields  before  Troy. 

On  the  cold  earth  divine  Patroclns  spread, 
Lies  pierced  with  wonnds  among  the  vulgar  dead. 
Great  Menelaiis,  toiich'd  with  generous  woe, 
Springs  to  the  front,  and  guards  him  from  the  foe. 
Thus  round  her  new-fallen  young  the  heifer  moves, 
Fruit  of  her  throes,  and  first-born  of  her  loves; 
And  anxious  (helpless  as  he  lies,  and  bare) 
Turns,  and  re-turns  her,  with  a  mother's  care, 
Opposed  to  eacii  that  near  the  carcase  came. 
His  broad  shield  glimmers,  and  his  lances  flame. 

The  son  of  Panthus,  skill'd  the  dart  to  send, 
Eyes  the  dead  hero,  and  insults  the  friend. 
"This  hand,  Atrides,  laid  Patroclus  low; 
Warrior!  desist,  nor  tempt  an  equal  blow: 
To  me  the  spoils  my  prowess  won,  resign: 
Depart  with  life,  and  leave  the  glory  mine." 


THE  ILIAD.  395 

The  Trojan  thus:  the  Spartan  monarch  bnrn'd 
With  generous  anguish,  and  in  scorn  return'd: 
"Laugh'st  thou  not,  Jove!  from  thy  superior  throne, 
When  mortals  boast  of  prowess  not  their  own? 
Not  thus  the  lion  glories  in  his  might, 
Nor  panther  braves  his  spotted  foe  in  fight. 
Nor  thus  the  boar  (those  terrors  of  the  plain); 
Man  only  vaunts  his  force,  and  vaunts  in  vain. 
But  far  the  vainest  of  the  boastful  kind. 
These  sons  of  Pauthus  vent  their  haughty  mind. 
Yet  'twas  but  late,  beneath  my  conquering  steel 
This  boaster's  brother,  Hyperenor,  fell; 
Against  our  arm  which  rashly  he  defied, 
Vain  was  his  vigor,  and  as  vain  his  pride. 
These  eyes  beheld  him  on  the  dust  expire, 
No  more  to  clieer  his  spouse,  or  glad  his  sire. 
Presumptuous  youth!  like  his  shall  be  thy  doom, 
Go,  wait  thy  brotlier  to  the  Stygian  gloom; 
Or,  whilst  thou  may'st,  avoid  the  threaten'd  fate; 
Fools  stay  to  feel  it,  and  are  wise  too  late." 

Unmoved,  Euphorbus  thus:  "'That  action  known, 
Come,  for  my  brother's  blood  repay  thy  own. 
His  weeping  father  claims  thy  destined  head, 
And  spouse,  a  widow  in  her  bridal  bed. 
On  these  thy  conquer'd  spoils  I  shall  bestow, 
To  soothe  a  consort's  and  a  parent's  woe. 
No  longer  then  defer  the  glorious  strife. 
Let  heaven  decide  our  fortune,  fame,  and  life." 

Swift  as  the  word  the  missile  lance  ho  llings; 
The  well-aim 'd  weapon  on  the  buckler  rings, 
But  blunted  by  the  brass,  innoxious  falls. 
On  .Jove  the  father  groat  Atridcs  calls. 
Nor  files  the  javelin  from  his  arm  in  vain. 
It  pierced  his  throat,  and  bent  him  to  the  plain; 
"Wide  through  the  neck  appears  the  grisly  wound. 
Prone  sinks  the  warrior,  and  his  arms  resound. 
The  shining  circlets  of  his  golden  hair, 
AVhich  even  the  graces  might  be  proud  to  wear, 
Instarr'd  with  goms  and  gold,  bestrow  the  shore. 
With  dust  dishonor'd,  and  dufurnrd  with  gore. 

As  the  young  olive,  in  some  sylvan  scene, 
Crown'd  In'  fr(3sh  fountains  mt\\  eternal  green, 
Ijifts  tlie  gay  iioail,  in  snowy  llowcrets  fair, 
And  plays  and  dances  to  the  gentle  air; 
When  lo!  a  whirlwind  frum  high  hoavoii  invades 


39(J  TUE  ILIAD. 

The  tender  plant,  and  withers  all  its  shades; 

It  lies  uprooted  from  its  genial  bed, 

A  lovely  ruin  now  defaced  and  dead : 

Thus  young,  thus  beautiful,  Euphorbus  lay, 

While  the  fierce  Spartan  tore  his  arms  away. 

Proud  of  his  deed,  and  glorious  in  the  prize, 

Affrighted  Troy  the  towering  victor  flies: 

Flies,  as  before  some  mountain  lion's  ire 

The  village  curs  and  trembling  swains  retire, 

When  o'er  the  slaughter'd  bull  they  hear  him  roar. 

And  see  his  jaws  distill  with  smoking  gore: 

All  pale  with  fear,  at  distance  scatter'd  round, 

They  shout  incessant,  and  the  vales  resound. 

Meanwhile  Apollo  viewed  with  envious  eyes,     ' 
And  urged  great  Hector  to  dispute  the  prize 
(In  Mentes'  shape,  beneath  whose  martial  care 
The  rough  Ciconians  learn'd  the  trade  of  war);* 
"Forbear  (he  cried)  with  fruitless  speed  to  chase 
Achilles'  coursers,  of  ethereal  race; 
They  stoop  not,  these,  to  mortal  man's  command, 
Or  stoop  to  none  but  great  Achilles'  hand. 
Too  long  amused  with  a  pursuit  so  vain, 
Turn,  and  behold  the  brave  Euphorbus  slain; 
By  Sparta  slain!  forever  now  suppress'd 
The  fire  which  burn'd  in  that  undaunted  breast!" 

Thus  having  spoke,  Apollo  wing'd  his  flight, 
And  mix'd  with  mortals  in  the  toils  of  fight: 
His  words  infix'd  unutterable  care 
Deep  in  great  Hector's  soul:  through  all  the  war 
He  darts  his  anxious  eye;  and,  instant,  view'd 
The  breatliless  hero  in  his  blood  imbued 
(Forth  welling  from  the  wound,  as  prone  he  lay), 
And  in  the  victor's  hands  the  shining  prey. 
Sheath 'd  in  bright  arms,  through  cleaving  ranks  he 

flies, 
And  sends  his  voice  in  thunder  to  the  skies: 
Fierce  as  a  flood  of  flame  by  Vulcan  sent. 
It  flew,  and  fired  the  nations  as  it  went. 
Atrides  from  the  voice  the  storm  divined. 
And  thus  explored  his  own  unconquer'd  mind: 

''Then  shall  I  quit  Patroclus  on  the  plain, 
Slain  in  my  cause,  and  for  my  honor  slain ! 
Desert  the  arms,  the  relics,  of  my  friend? 


*  Ciconiarii.     A  people  of  Thrace,  near  the  Hebrus. 


THE  ILIAD.  »  397 

Or  singly,  Hector  and  his  troops  attend? 

Sure  where  such  partial  favor  heaven  bestow'd, 

To  brave  the  hero  were  to  brave  the  god : 

Porgive  me,  Greece,  if  once  I  quit  the  field; 

'Tis  not  to  Hector,  but  to  heaven  I  yield. 

Yet,  nor  the  god,  nor  heaven,  should  give  me  fear, 

Did  but  the  voice  of  Ajax  reach  my  ear: 

Still  would  we  turn,  still  battle  on  tlie  plains, 

And  give  Achilles  all  that  yet  remains 

Of  his  and  our  Patroclus — "     This,  no  more 

The  time  allow'd :  Troy  thicken'd  on  the  shore, 

A  sable  scene!     The  terrors  Hector  led. 

Slow  he  recedes,  and  sighing  quits  the  dead. 

So  from  the  fold  the  unwilling  lion  parts. 
Forced  by  loud  clauiors,  and  a  storm  of  darts*, 
He  flies  indeed,  but  threatens  as  he  flies. 
With  heart  indignant  and  retorted  eyes. 
Now  enter'd  in  the  Spartan  ranks,  he  turn'd 
His  manly  breast,  and  with  new  fury  burn'd; 
O'er  all  the  black  battalions  sent  his  view. 
And  through  the  cloud  the  godlike  Ajax  knew; 
Where  laboring  on  the  left  the  warrior  stood, 
All  grim  in  arms,  and  cover'd  o'er  with  blood; 
There  breathing  courage,  where  the  god  of  day 
Had  sunk  each  heart  with  terror  and  dismay. 

To  him  the  king:  "Oh  Ajax,  oh  my  friend! 
Haste,  and  Patroclus'  loved  remains  defend: 
I'he  body  to  Achilles  to  restore 
Demands  our  care;  alas,  we  can  no  more! 
For  naked  now,  despoil'd  of  arms,  he  lies; 
And  Hector  glories  in  the  dazzling  prize." 
He  said,  and  touch'd  his  heart.     The  raging  pair 
Pierced  the  thick  battle,  and  provoke  the  war. 
Already  had  stern  Hector  seized  his  head, 
And  doom'd  to  'J'rojan  gods  the  unhai)})y  dead; 
]iut  soon  as  Ajax  rearM  his  tower-like  shield. 
Sprung  to  his  car,  and  measured  back  the  field. 
His  train  to  '^I'roy  the  radiimt  ainior  bear. 
To  stand  a  trophy  of  his  fame  iii  war. 

Meanwhile  great  Ajax  (his  broad  shield  display'd) 
Guards  the  dead  hero  with  the  dreadful  shade; 
And  now  before,  and  now  bdliind  \\'\  stood: 
Thus  in  the  centre  of  some  gloomy  wood, 
With  many  a  step,  the  lioness  surroujuls 
Her  tawny  young,  beset  by  men  and  hounds; 


398  1'HE  ILIAD. 

Elate  her  heart,  and  rousing  all  her  powers, 
Dark  o'er  the  fiery  balls  each  hanging  eyebrow  lours. 
Fast  by  his  side  the  generous  Spartan  glows 
With  great  revenge,  and  feeds  his  inward  woes. 

But  Glaucus,  leader  of  the  Lycian  aids, 
On  Hector  frowning,  thus  his  flight  upbraids: 

"Where  now  in  Hector  shall  we  Hector  find? 
A  manly  form,  without  a  manly  mind. 
Is  this,  0  chief!  a  hero's  boasted  fame? 
How  vain,  without  the  merit,  is  the  name! 
Since  battle  is  renounced,  thy  thoughts  employ, 
What  other  methods  may  preserve  thy  Troy: 
'Tis  time  to  try  if  Hion's  state  can  stand 
By  thee  alone,  nor  ask  a  foreign  hand: 
Mean,  empty  boast!  but  shall  the  Lycians  stake 
Their  lives  for  you?  those  Lycians  you  forsake? 
What  from  thy  thankless  arms  can  we  expect? 
Thy  friend  Sarpedon  proves  thy  base  neglect; 
Say,  shall  our  slaughter'd  bodies  guard  your  walls, 
While  unreveng'd  the  great  Sarpedon  falls? 
Even  where  he  died  for  Troy,  you  left  him  there, 
A  feast  for  dogs,  and  all  the  fowls  of  air. 
On  my  command  if  any  Lycian  wait, 
Hence  let  him  march,  and  give  up  Troy  to  fate. 
Did  such  a  spirit  as  the  gods  impart 
Impel  one  Trojan  hand  or  Trojan  heart    • 
(Such  as  should  burn  in  every  soul  that  draws 
The  sword  for  glory,  and  his  country's  cause), 
Even  yet  our  mutual  arms  we  might  employ, 
And  d^rag  yon  carcase  to  the  walls  of  Troy. 
Oh  I  were  Patroclus  ours,  we  might  obtain 
Sarpedon's  arms  and  honor'd  corse  again! 
Greece  with  Achilles'  friend  should  be  repaid. 
And  thus  due  honors  purchased  to  his  shade. 
But  words  are  vain— Let  Ajax  once  appear, 
And  Hector  trembles  and  recedes  with  fear; 
Thou  dar'st  not  meet  the  terrors  of  his  eye; 
And  lo!  already  thou  prepar'st  to  fly." 

The  Trojan  chief  with  fix'd  resentment  eyed 
The  Lycian  leader,  and  sedate  replied : 

"Say,  is  it  just,  my  friend,  that  Hector's  ear 
From  such  a  warrior  such  a  speech  should  hear? 
I  deem'd  thee  once  the  wisest  of  thy  kind, 
But  ill  this  insult  suits  a  prudent  mind. 
I  shun  great  Ajax?  I  desert  my  train? 


THE  ILIAD.  399 

'Tis  mine  to  prove  the  rash  assertion  vain; 

I  joy  to  mingle  where  the  battle  bleeds, 

And  hear  tlie  thunder  of  the  souiiding  steeds. 

But  Jove's  high  will  is  ever  uucontroU'd, 

The  strong  he  withers,  and  confounds  the  bold; 

Now  crowns  with  fame  the  mighty  man,  and  now 

Strikes  the  fresh  garland  from  the  victor's  brow! 

Come,  through  you  squadrons  let  us  hew  the  way, 

And  thou  be  witiiess,  if  I  fear  to-day; 

If  yet  a  Greek  the  sight  of  Hector  dread. 

Or  yet  their  hero  dare  defend  the  dead." 

Then  turning  to  the  martial  hosts,  he  cries: 
"Ye  Trojans,  Cardans,  Lycians,  and  allies! 
Be  men,  my  friends,  in  action  as  in  name. 
And  yet  be  mindful  of  your  ancient  fame. 
Hector  in  proud  Achilles'  arms  shall  shine. 
Torn  from  his  friend,  by  right  of  conquest  mine." 

He  strode  along  the  field,  as  thus  he  said 
The  sable  plumage  nodded  o'er  his  head): 
Swift  through  the  spacious  plain  he  sent  a  look; 
One  instant  saw,  one  instant  overtook 
The  distant  band,  that  on  the  sandy  shore 
The  radiant  spoils  to  sacred  Ilion  bore. 
There  his  own  mail  unbraced  the  held  bestrow'd; 
His  train  to  Troy  conveyed  the  massy  load. 
Now  blazing  in  the  immortal  arms  he  stands; 
The  work  and  present  of  celestial  hands; 
By  aged  Peleus  to  Achilles  given, 
As  first  to  Peleus  by  the  court  of  heaven: 
His  father's  arms  not  long  Achilles  wears, 
Forbid  by  fate  to  reach  his  father's  years. 

Him,  proud  in  triumph,  glittering  from  afar, 
The  goi]  whose  thunder  rends  the  troubled  air 
Beheld  with  pity;  as  apart  he  sat. 
And,  conscious,  look'd  through  all  the  scenes  of  fate. 
He  shook  the  sacred  honors  of  his  head; 
Olympus  trembled,  ami  the  godiiead  said: 
"Ah,  wretf^hod  tnan!  unmimlful  (jf  thy  end! 
A  moment's  glory;  and  wiiat  fates  attend! 
In  heavonlv  panoply  divinely  bright 
Thou  stand'st,  and  armies  tromljlu  at  thy  sight, 
As  at  Achilles'  self!  beneath  thy  dart 
Lies  slain  the  groat  Achilles  dearer  part. 
Thou  from  the  mighty  dead  tlntsu  arms  hast  torn. 
Which  once  the  greatest  of  mankin<l  had  worn. 


400  THE  ILIAD. 

Yet  live!  I  give  thee  oue  illustrious  day, 
A  blaze  of  glory  ere  thou  fad'st  away. 
For  ah!  uo  more  Andromache  shall  come 
With  joyful  tears  to  welcome  Hector  home; 
No  more  officious,  with  endearing  charms, 
From  thy  tired  limbs  unbrace  Pelides'  arms!'* 

Then  with  his  sable  brow  he  gave  the  nod 
That  seals  his  word;  the  sanction  of  the  god. 
The  stubborn  arms  (by  Jove's  command  disposed) 
Conform'd  spontaneous,  and  around  him  closed: 
Fill'd  with  the  god,  enlarged  his  members  grew. 
Through  all  his  viens  a  sudden  vigor  flew, 
The  blood  in  brisker  tides  began  to  roll, 
And  M;irs  himself  came  rushing  on  his  soul. 
Exhorting  loud  through  all  the  field  he  strode, 
And  look'd,  and  moved,  Achilles,  or  a  god. 
Now  Mesthles,  Glaucus,  Medon,  he  inspires, 
Now  Phorcys,  Ohromius,  and'  Hippothoiis  fires; 
The  great  Thersilochus  like  fury  found, 
Asteropaeus  kindled  at  the  sound, 
And  Eiinomus,  in  augury  renown'd. 

"Hear,  all  ye  hosts,  and  hear,  unnumber'd  bands 
Of  neighboring  nations,  or  of  distant  lands! 
'Twas  not  for  state  we  summon'd  you  so  far, 
To  boast  our  numbers,  and  the  pomp  of  war: 
Ye  came  to  fight;  a  valiant  foe  to  chase, 
To  save  our  present,  and  our  future  race. 
For  this,  our  wealth,  our  products,  you  enjoy, 
And  glean  the  relics  of  exhausted  Troy. 
Now  then,  to  conquer  or  to  die  prepare; 
To  die  or  conquer  are  the  terms  of  war. 
Whatever  hand  shall  win  Patroclus  slain, 
AVhoe'er  shall  dark  him  to  the  Trojan  train. 
With  Hector's  self  shall  equal  honors  claim; 
With  Hector  part  the  spoil,  and  share  the  fame. 

Fired  by  his  words,  the  troops  dismiss  their  fears. 
They  join,  they  thicken,  they  protend  their  spears; 
Full  on  the  Greeks  they  drive  in  firm  array. 
And  each  from  Ajax  hopes  the  glorious  prey: 
Vain  hope!  what  numbers  shall  the  field  o'erspread, 
AVhat  victims  perish  round  the  mighty  dead! 

Great  Ajax  mark'd  the  growing  storm  from  far, 
And  thus  bespoke  his  brother  of  the  war: 
"Our  fatal  day,  alas!  is  come,  my  friend; 
And  all  our  wars  and  glories  at  an  end! 


THE  ILIAD.  '  401 

'Tis  not  this  corse  alone  we  guard  in  vain, 
Condenin'd  to  vultures  on  the  Trojan  plain; 
AVe  too  must  yield;  the  same  sad  fate  must  fall 
On  thee,  on  me,  perhaps,  my  friend,  on  all. 
See  what  a  tempest  direful  Hector  spreads, 
And  lol  it  bursts,  it  thunders  on  our  heads! 
Call  on  our  Greeks,  if  any  hear  the  call. 
The  bravest  Greeks;  this  hour  demands  them  all." 

The  warrior  raised  his  voice,  and  wide  around 
The  field  re-echoed  the  distressful  sound. 
"0  chiefs!  0  princes,  to  whose  hand  is  given 
The  rule  of  men;  whose  glory  is  from  heaven! 
"Whom  with  due  honors  botli  Atrides  grace; 
Ye  guides  and  guardians  of  our  Argive  race! 
All,  whom  this  well-known  voice  shall  reach  from  far, 
All,  wliom  I  see  not  through  this  cloud  of  war; 
Come  all!  let  generous  rage  your  arms  employ. 
And  save  Patroclus  from  the  dogs  of  Troy." 

OiiJean  Ajax  first  the  voice  obey'd. 
Swift  was  his  pace,  and  ready  was  his  aid: 
Next  him  Idomeneus,  more  slow  with  age, 
And  ^lerion,  buruing  with  a  hero's  rage. 
The  long  succeeding  numbers  who  can  name? 
But  all  were  Greeks,  and  eager  all  for  fame. 
Fierce  to  the  charge  great  Hector  led  the  throng; 
"Whole  Troy  embodied  rush'd  with  shouts  along. 
Thus,  when  a  mountain  billow  foams  and  raves, 
Where  some  swoln  river  disembogues  his  waves, 
Full  in  tiie  mouth  is  stop])'d  the  rushing  tide, 
The  boiling  ocean  works  from  side  to  side. 
The  river  trembles  to  his  utmost  shore, 
And  distant  rocks  re-bellow  to  the  roar. 

Xor  less  resolved,  the  fii'm  Achaian  band 
With  brazen  shields  in  horrid  circle  stand. 
Jove,  pouring  darkness  o'er  the  mingled  light, 
Cfiuceals  the  warrii)rs'  shining  helms  in  night. 
To  him,  the  chief  for  whom  the  iiosts  contend 
Had  lived  not  iiateful,  for  lie  lived  a  friend: 
Dead  he  protects  him  with  superior  care, 
Nor  dooms  his  carcase  to  the  biids  of  air. 

The  first  attack  the  (irecians  scarce  sustain. 
Iicpnlsed,  they  yiohl;  the  Trojans  seize  the  slain: 
Then  fierce  they  rally,  to  revenge  led  on 
Jiy  the  swift  rage  of  Ajax  Telamon. 
(Ajax  to  Peleus'  son  the  second  name, 


402  THE  ILIAD, 

In  graceful  stature  next,  and  next  in  fame,) 

AVith  headlong  force  the  foremost  ranks  he  tore; 

So  through  the  thicket  bursts  the  mountain  boar. 

And  rudely  scatters,  for  a  distance  round, 

The  frighted  hunter  and  the  baying  hound. 

The  son  of  Lethus,  brave  Pelasgus'  heir, 

Hippothoiis,  dragg'd  the  carcase  through  the  war; 

The  sinewy  ankle  bored,  the  feet  he  bound 

With  thongs  inserted  through  the  double  wound; 

Inevitable  fate  o'ertakes  the  deed: 

Doom'd  by  great  Ajax's  vengeful  lance  to  bleed; 

It  cleft  the  helmet's  brazen  clieeks  in  twain; 

The  shatter'd  crest  and  horse-hair  strow  the  plain: 

With  nerves  relax'd  he  tumbles  to  the  ground: 

The  brain  comes  gushing  through  the  ghastly  wound: 

He  drops  Patroclus'  foot,  and  o'er  him  sjiread, 

Now  lies  a  sad  companion  of  the  dead: 

Far  from  Larissa  lies,  his  native  air. 

And  ill  requites  his  parents'  tender  care. 

Lamented  youth!  in  life's  lirst  bloom  he  fell, 

Sent  by  great  Ajax  to  the  shades  of  hell. 

Once  more  at  Ajax  Hector's  javelin  flies; 
The  Grecian  marking,  as  it  cut  the  skies, 
Shunn'd  the  descending  death;  which  hissing  on, 
Stretch'd  in  the  dust  the  great  Iphytus'  son, 
Schedius  the  brave,  of  all  the  Phocian  kind 
The  boldest  warrior  and  the  noblest  mind: 
In  little  Panope,  for  strength  renown'd. 
He  held  his  seat,  and  ruled  the  realms  around. 
Plunged  in  his  throat,  the  weapon  drank  his  blood, 
And  deep  transpiercing  through  the  shoulder  stood; 
In  clanging  arms  the  hero  fell  and  all 
The  fields  resounded  with  his  weighty  fall. 

Phorcys,  as  slain  Hippothoiis  he  defends. 
The  Telamonian  lance  his  belly  rends; 
The  hollow  armor  burst  before  the  stroke. 
And  through  the  wound  the  rushing  entrails  broke 
In  strong  convulsions  panting  on  the  sands 
He  lies,  and  grasps  the  dust  with  dying  hands. 

Struck  at  the  sight,  recede  the  Trojan  train: 
The  shouting  Argives  strip  the  heroes  slain. 
And  now  had  Troy,  by  Greece  compell'd  to  yield. 
Fled  to  her  ramparts,  and  resign'd  the  field: 
Greece,  in  her  native  fortitude  elate, 
AVith  Jove  averse^  had  turn'd  the  scale  of  fate: 


THE  ILIAD.  403 

But  Phoebns  nrged  ^neas  to  the  fight; 
He  seem'd  like  aged  Periphas  to  sight 
(A  herald  iu  Anchises'  love  grown  old, 
Eevered  for  prudence,  and  with  prudence  bold). 

Thus  he — "What  methods  yet,  0  chief!  remain, 
To  save  your  Troy,  though  heaven  its  fall  ordain? 
There  have  been  heroes,  who,  by  virtuous  care, 
By  valor,  numbers,  and  by  arts  of  war, 
Have  forced  the  powers  to  spare  a  sinking  state, 
And  gaiu'd  at  length  the  glorious  odds  of  fate: 
But  you,  when  fortune  smiles,  when  Jove  declares 
His  partial  favor,  and  assists  your  wars. 
Your  shameful  efforts  'gainst  yourselves  employ, 
And  force  the  unwilling  god  to  ruin  Troy." 

j:Eneas  through  the  form  assumed  descries 
The  power  couceal'd,  and  thus  to  Hector  cries: 
"Oh  lasting  shame!  to  our  own  fears  a  prey, 
We  seek  our  ramparts,  and  desert  the  day. 
A  god,  nor  is  he  less,  my  bosom  warms,  ^ 

And  tells  me,  Jove  asserts  the  Trojan  arms." 

He  spoke,  and  foremost  to  the  combat  flew: 
The  bold  example  all  his  hosts  pursue. 
Then,  first,  Leocritus  beneath  him  bled. 
In  vain  beloved  by  valiant  Lycomede; 
Who  view'd  his  fall,  and,  grieving  at  the  chance. 
Swift  to  revenge  it  sent  his  angry  lance; 
The  whirling  lance,  Avith  vigorous  force  address'd, 
Descends,  and  pants  in  Apisaon's  breast; 
From  ricli  Paeonia's  vales  the  warrior  came. 
Next  thee,  AsteropeusI  in  place  and  fame. 
Asteropeus  with  grief  beheld  the  slain, 
And  rusli'd  to  combat,  but  he  rush'd  in  vain: 
Indissolubly  firm,  around  the  dead. 
Rank  within  rank,  on  buckler  buciiler  spread. 
And  lieinm'd  witii  bristled  spears,  the  Grecians  stood, 
A  brazen  bulwark,  and  an  iron  wood. 
Great  Ajax  eyes  with  incessant  care, 
And  in  an  orb  contracts  the  crowded  war, 
Close  in  their  ranks  comiiiands  to  fight  or  fall. 
And  stands  the  centre  ami  the  soul  of  all: 
FixM  on  the  spot  they  war,  and  wounded,  wound; 
A  sanguine  torrent  steojjs  the  recking  ground: 
On  heaps  tiio  (Jreeks,  on  heaps  the  Trojans  bled, 
And,  thickening  round  them,  rise  the  hills  of  dead. 

Greece,  in  close  order,  and  collected  might, 


404  THE  ILIAD. 

Yet  suffers  least,  and  sways  the  wavering  fight; 
Fierce  as  conflicting  fires  the  combat  burns, 
And  now  it  rises,  now  it  sinks  by  turns. 
In  one  thick  darkness  all  the  fight  was  lost; 
The  sun,  the  moon,  and  all  the  ethereal  host 
Seem'd  as  extinct:  day  ravish'd  from  their  eyes, 
And  all  heaven's  splendors  blotted  from  the  skies. 
Such  o'er  Patroclus'  body  hung  the  night, 
The  rest  in  sunshine  fought,  and  open  light; 
Unclouded  there,  the  aerial  azure  spread. 
No  vapor  rested  on  the  mountain's  head, 
The  golden  sun  pour'd  forth  a  stronger  ray, 
And  all  the  broad  expansion  flamed  with  day. 
Dispersed  around  the  plain,  by  fits  they  fight. 
And  here  and  there  their  scatter'd  arrows  light: 
But  death  and  darkness  o'er  the  carcase  spread, 
There  bnrn'd  the  war,  and  there  the  mighty  bled. 

Meanwhile  the  sons  of  Nestor,  in  the  rear 
(Their  fellows  routed),  toss  the  distant  spear, 
And  skirmish  wide:  so  Nestor  gave  command, 
When  from  the  ships  he  sent  the  Pylian  band. 
The  youthful  brothers  thus  for  fame  contend, 
Nor  knew  the  fortune  of  Achilles'  friend; 
In  thought  they  view'd  him  still,  with  martial  joy, 
Glorious  in  arms,  and  dealing  death  to  Troy. 

But  round  the  corse  the  heroes  pant  for  breath. 
And  thick  and  heavy  grows  the  work  of  death: 
O'erlabor'd  now,  with  dust,  and  sweat,  and  gore, 
Their  knees,  their  legs,  their  feet  are  cover'd  o'er; 
Drops  follow  drops,  the  clouds  on  clouds  arise. 
And  carnage  clogs  their  hands,  and  darkness  fills  their 

eyes, 
As  when  a  slaughter'd  bull's  yet  reeking  hide, 
Strain'd  with  full  force,  and  tugg'd  from  side  to  side, 
The  brawny  curriers  stretch;  and  labor  o'er 
The  extended  surface,  drunk  with  fat  and  gore: 
So  tugging  round  the  corse  both  armies  stood; 
The  mangled  body  bathed  in  sweat  and  blood; 
While  Greeks  and  Illans  equal  strength  employ. 
Now  to  the  ships  to  force  it,  now  to  Troy. 
Not  Pallas  self,  her  breast  when  fury  warms, 
Nor  he  whose  anger  sets  the  world  in  arms, 
Could  blame  this  scene;  snch  rage,  such  horror  reign'd; 
Such,  Jove  to  honor  the  great  dead  ordain'd. 
Achilles  in  his  ships  at  distance  lay. 


THE  ILIAD.  405 

Nor  knew  the  fatal  fortune  of  the  day; 
He,  yet  unconscious  of  Patroclus'  fall, 
In  dust  extended  under  Ilion's  wall, 
Expects  him  glorious  from  the  conquer'd  plain, 
And  for  his  wish'd  return  prepares  in  vain; 
Though  well  he  knew,  to  make  proud  Ilion  bend 
Was  more  than  heaven  had  destined  to  his  friend. 
Perhaps  to  him:  this  Thetis  had  reveal'd; 
The  rest,  in  pity  to  her  son,  conceal'd. 

Still  raged  the  conflict  round  the  hero  dead. 
And  heaps  on  heaps  by  mutual  wounds  they  bled. 
"Cursed  be  the  man  (even  private  Greeks  would  say) 
Who  dares  desert  this  well-disputed  day! 
First  may  the  cleaving  earth  before  our  eyes 
Gape  wide,  and  drink  our  blood  for  sacrifice; 
First  perish  all,  ere  haughty  Troy  shall  boast 
We  lost  Patroclus,  and  our  glory  lost!" 

Thus  they:  while  with  one  voice  the  Trojans  said, 
"Grant  this  day,  Jove!  or  heap  us  on  the  dead!" 

Then  clash  their  sounding  arms;  the  clangors  rise. 
And  shake  the  brazen  concave  of  the  skies. 

Meantime,  at  distance  from  the  scene  of  blood, 
The  pensive  steeds  of  that  Achilles  stood: 
Their  godlike  master  slain  before  their  eyes, 
They  wept,  and  shared  in  human  miseries.* 
In  vain  Automedon  7iow  shakes  the  rein. 
Now  plies  the  lash,  and  soothes  and  threats  in  vain; 
Nor  to  the  fight  nur  Hellespont  they  go, 
Kestive  they  stood,  and  obstinate  in  woe: 
.Still  as  a  tombstone,  never  to  be  moved," 
On  some  good  man  ur  woman  unreproved 

*  They  wept. 

"  Fast  by  the  raanger  stands  the  inactive  steed, 
And,  sunk  in  sorrow,  lianjrs  liis  laiifriiid  Lead; 
He  stands,  and  careless  f)f  his  golden  grain, 
Weeps  his  associates  and  his  master  slain." 

— Merrick's  'IVyphiodorus,  v.  18-24. 
"  Nothing  is  heard  upon  tin-  iiiomitiiiii  now. 
But  pensive  lierds  that  for  their  master  low, 
Straggling  and  comfortless  about  they  rove. 
Unmindful  of  their  pasture  and  their  love." 

— Mo.schus,  id.  ;{,  parodied,  ihid. 
"  To  close  the  pomp,  iKtlion,  the  steed  of  state, 
Is  led,  the  funeral  of  his  lord  to  wait. 
Stripy.'d  of  his  trappings,  with  a  sullen  pace 
He  walks,  and  the  big  tears  run  roiling  down  his  face." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  bk.  ii. 


406  THE  ILIAD. 

Lays  its  eternal  weight;  or  fix'd,  as  stands 
A  marble  courser  by  the  sculptor's  hands, 
Placed  on  the  hero's  grave.     Along  their  face 
The  big  round  drops  coursed  down  with  silent  pace, 
Conglobing  on  the  dust.     Their  manes,  that  late 
CircTed  their  arched  necks  and  waved  in  state, 
Trail'd  on  the  dust  beneath  the  yoke  were  spread, 
And  prone  to  earth  was  hung  their  languid  head: 
Nor  Jove  disdain'd  to  cast  a  pitying  look. 
While  thus  relenting  to  the  steeds  he  spoke: 

"Unhappy  coursers  of  immortal  strain, 
Exempt  from  age.  and  deathless,  now  in  vain; 
Did  we  your  race  on  mortal  man  bestow, 
Only,  alas!  to  share  in  mortal  woe? 
For  ah!  what  is  there  of  inferior  birth, 
That  breathes  or  creeps  upon  the  dust  of  earth; 
What  wretched  creature  of  what  wretched  kind. 
Than  man  more  weak,  calamitous,  and  blind? 
A  miserable  race!  but  cease  to  mourn: 
For  rot  by  you  shall  Priam's  son  be  borne 
High  on  the  splendid  car:  one  glorious  prize 
He  rashly  boasts:  the  rest  our  will  denies. 
Ourself  will  swiftness  to  your  nerves  impart, 
Our  self  with  rising  spirits  swell  your  heart. 
Automedon  your  rapid  flight  shall  bear 
Safe  to  the  navy  through  the  storm  of  war. 
For  yet  'tis  given  to  Troy  to  ravage  o'er 
The  field,  and  spread  her  slaughters  to  the  shore. 
The  sun  shall  see  her  conquer,  till  his  fall 
AVith  sacred  darkness  shades  the  face  of  all." 

He  said;  and  breathing  in  the  immortal  horse 
Excessive  spirit,  urged  them  to  the  course; 
From  their  high  manes  they  shake  the  dust,  and  bear 
The  kindling  chariot  through  the  parted  war: 
So  flies  a  vulture  through  the  clamorous  train 
Of  geese,  that  scream,  and  scatter  round  the  plain. 
From  danger  now  with  swiftest  speed  they  flew, 
And  now  to  conquest  with  like  speed  pursue; 
Sole  in  the  seat  the  charioteer  remains, 
Now  plies  the  javelin,  now  directs  the  reins: 
Him  brave  Alcimedon  beheld  distress'd, 
Approach'd  the  chariot,  and  the  chief  address'd: 

"What  god  provokes  thee  rashly  thus  to  dare. 
Alone,  unaided,  in  the  thickest  war? 
Alas!  thy  friend  is  slain,  and  Hector  wields 


THE  ILIAD.  40 : 

Achilles'  arms  triumphant  in  the  fields." 

"In  happy  time  (the  charioteer  replies) 
The  bold  Alciniedon  now  greets  my  eyes; 
No  Greek  like  him  the  heavenly  steeds  restrains, 
Or  holds  their  fury  in  suspended  reins: 
Patroclus,  while  he  lived,  their  rage  could  tame, 
But  now  Patroclus  is  an  empty  namel 
To  thee  I  yield  the  seat,  to  thee  resign 
The  ruling  charge:  the  task  of  fight  be  mine." 

He  said.     Alcimedon,  with  active  heat, 
Snatches  the  reins,  and  vaults  into  the  seat. 
His  friend  descends.     The  chief  of  Troy  descried, 
And  call'd  ^Eneas  fighting  near  his  side. 
"Lo,  to  my  sight,  beyond  our  hope  restored, 
Achilles'  car,  deserted  of  its  lord  ! 
The  glorious  steeds  our  ready  arms  invite, 
Scarce  their  weak  drivers  guide  them  through  the  fight. 
Can  such  opponents  stand  when  we  assail? 
Unite  thy  force,  my  friend,  and  we  prevail." 

The  son  of  Venus  to  the  counsel  yields; 
Then  o'er  their  backs  they  spread  their  solid  shields; 
With  brass  refulgent  the  broad  surface  shined. 
And  thick  bull-hides  the  spacious  concave  lined. 
Them  Chromius  follows,  Aretus  succeeds; 
Each  hopes  the  conquest  of  the  lofty  steeds: 
In  vain,  brave  youths,  with  glorious  hopes  ye  burn. 
In  vain  advancel  not  fated  to  return. 

Unniov'd,  Automedon  attends  the  fight, 
Implores  the  eternal,  and  collects  his  might. 
Then  turning  to  his  friend,  with  dauntless  mind: 
"Oh  keep  the  foaming  coursers  close  behind! 
Full  on  my  shoulders  let  their  nostrils  blow, 
For  hard  the  fight,  determined  is  the  foe; 
'Tis  Hector  comes:  and  svhen  he  seeks  the  prize, 
War  knows  no  man;  he  wins  it  or  ho  dies." 

Then  through  the  field  he  sends  his  voice  aloud. 
And  calls  the  Ajaces  from  tlie  warring  (;rowd, 
With  great  Atrides.     "Hither  turn  (lie  said). 
Turn  where  clistress  demands  immediate  aid; 
The  dead,  encircled  by  his  friends,  forego, 
And  save  the  living  from  a  fiercer  foe. 
TJnhelp'd  we  stand,  unef|ual  to  engage 
The  force  of  Hector,  and  .Eneas'  rage: 
Yet  mighty  as  they  arc,  my  force  to  prove 
Is  only  mine:  the  event  belongs  to  Jove." 


408  377^  ILIAD. 

He  spoke,  and  high  the  sounding  javelin  flung, 
Which  pass'd  the  shield  of  Aretus  the  young: 
It  pierced  his  helt,  emboss'd  with  curious  art, 
Then  in  the  lower  belly  struck  the  dart. 
As  when  a  ponderous  axe,  descending  full. 
Cleaves  the  broad  forehead  of  some  brawny  bull:* 
Struck  'twixt  the  horns,  he  springs  with  many  a  bound, 
Then  tumbling  rolls  enormous  on  the  ground; 
Thus  fell  the  youth;  the  air  his  soul  received, 
And  the  spear  trembled  as  his  entrails  heaved. 

Now  at  Automedon  the  Trojan  foe 
Discharged  his  lance;  the  meditated  blow. 
Stooping,  he  shunn'd;  the  javelin  idly  fled, 
And  hiss'd  innoxious  o'er  the  hero's  head; 
Deep  rooted  in  the  ground,  the  forceful  spear 
In  long  vibrations  spent  its  fury  there. 
With  clashing  falchions  now  the  chiefs  had  closed. 
But  each  brave  Ajax  heard,  and  interposed; 
Nor  longer  Hector  with  his  Trojans  stood, 
But  left  their  slain  companion  in  his  blood: 
His  arms  AutomedoJi  divests,  and  cries, 
"Accept,  Patroclus,  this  mean  sacrifice: 
Thus  have  I  soothed  my  griefs,  and  thus  have  paid, 
Poor  as  it  is,  some  offering  to  thy  shade." 

So  looks  the  lion  o'er  a  mangled  boar, 
All  grim  with  rage,  and  horrible  with  gore; 
High  on  the  chariot  at  one  bound  he  sprung. 
And  o'er  his  seat  the  bloody  trophies  hung. 

And  now  Minerva  from  the  realms  of  air 
Descends  impetuous,  and  renews  the  war; 
For,  pleased  at  length  the  Grecian  arms  to  aid, 
The  lord  of  thunders  sent  the  blue-eyed  maid. 
As  when  liigh  Jove  denouncing  future  woe. 
O'er  the  dark  clouds  extends  his  purple  bow 
(In  sign  of  tempests  from  the  troubled  air. 
Or  from  the  rage  of  man,  destructive  war). 
The  drooping  cattle  dread  the  impending  skies, 
And  from  his  half-till'd  field  the  laborer  flies: 
In  such  a  form  the  goddess  round  her  drew 

*  Some  brawny  bull. 

"  Like  to  a  bu]l,  that  witli  impetuous  spring 
Darts,  at  the  moment  when  the  fatal  blow 
Hath  struck  him,  but  unable  to  proceed 
Plunges  on  either  side." 

— Carey's  Dante:  Hell,  c.  xii. 


TEE  ILIAD.  409 

A  livid  cloud  and  to  the  battle  flew. 
Assuming  Phcenix's  shape  on  earth  she  falls, 
And  in  his  well-known  voice  to  Sparta  calls: 
"And  lies  Achilles'  friend,  beloved  by  all, 
A  prey  to  dogs  beneath  the  Trojan  wall? 
What  shame  to  Greece  for  future  times  to  tell, 
To  thee  the  greatest  in  whose  cause  he  fell!" 
"0  chief,  0  fatherl  (Atreus'  son  replies) 
0  full  of  daysl  by  long  experience  wise! 
What  more  desires  my  soul,  than  here  unmoved 
To  guard  the  body  of  the  man  I  loved? 
Ah,  would  Minerva  send  me  strength  to  rear 
This  wearied  arm,  and  ward  the  storm  of  war! 
Bat  Hector,  like  the  rage  of  fire,  we  dread. 
And  Jove's  own  glories  blaze  around  his  head!" 

Pleased  to  be  first  of  all  the  powers  address'd, 
She  breathes  new  vigor  in  her  hero's  breast. 
And  fills  with  keen  revenge,  with  fell  despite, 
Desire  of  blood,  and  rage,  and  lust  of  fight. 
So  burns  the  vengeful  hornet  (soul  all  o'er), 
Repulsed  in  vain,  and  thirsty  still  of  gore 
(Bold  son  of  air  and  heat)  on  angry  winds 
Untamed,  untired,  he  turns,  attacks,  and  stings. 
Fired  with  like  ardor  fierce  Atrides  flew, 
And  sent  his  soul  with  every  lance  he  threw. 

There  stood  a  Trojan,  not  uukuown  to  fame, 
Action's  son,  and  Podes  was  his  name: 
With  riches  honor'd,  and  with  courage  bless'd, 
By  Uector  loved,  his  comrade,  and  his  guest; 
Through  his  broad  belt  the  sjjcar  a  passage  found, 
And,  pondercjus  as  he  falls,  his  arms  resound. 
Sudden  at  Hector's  side  Apollo  stood. 
Like  Pluenops,  Asius'  son,  appear'd  the  god 
(Asius  the  great,  who  held  his  wealthy  reign 
In  fair  Abydos,  by  the  rolling  main). 

"Oh  prince!  (he  cried)  Oh  foremost  once  in  fame 
What  Grecian  now  shall  tremble  at  thy  name? 
Dost  thou  at  length  to  .Menelai'is  yield, 
A  chief  once  thought  no  terror  of  the  field? 
Yet  singly,  now,  tiie  long-disputed  jirizo 
lie  bears  victorious,  while  our  army  tlies: 
By  the  same  arm  illustrious  Podes  bled; 
The  friend  of  Hector,  unrevenged,  is  dead!" 
This  beard,  o'er  Hector  spreads  a  cdoud  of  woe, 
Eagc  lifts  hid  lance,  and  drives  him  on  the  foe. 


410  THE  ILIAD. 

Bnt  now  the  Eternal  shook  his  sable  shield, 
That  shaded  Ide  and  all  the  subject  field 
Beneath  its  ample  verge.     A  rolling  cloud 
Involved  the  mount;  the  thunder  roar'd  aloud; 
The  aflfrighted  hills  from  their  foundations  nod, 
And  blaze  beneath  the  lightnings  of  the  god: 
At  one  regard  of  his  all-seeing  eye 
The  vanquish'd  triumph,  and  the  victors  fly. 

Then  trembled  Greece:  the  flight  Peneleus  led; 
For  as  the  brave  Boiotian  turn'd  his  head 
To  face  the  foe,  Polydamas  drew  near. 
And  razed  his  shoulder  with  a  shorten'd  spear: 
By  Hector  wounded,  Leitus  quits  the  plain. 
Pierced  through  the  wrist;  and  raging  with  the  pain, 
Grasps  his  once  formidable  lance  in  vain. 

As  Hector  follow'd,  Idomen  address'd 
The  flaming  javelin  to  his  manly  breast; 
The  brittle  point  before  his  corslet  yields; 
Exulting  Troy  with  clamor  fills  the  fields: 
High  on  his  chariots  the  Cretan  stood. 
The  son  of  Priam  whirl'd  the  massive  wood. 
But  erring  from  its  aim,  the  impetuous  spear 
Struck  to  the  dust  the  squire  and  charioteer 
Of  martial  Merion:  Cteranus  his  name. 
Who  left  fair  Lyctus  for  the  fields  of  fame. 
On  foot  bold  Merion  fought;  and  now  laid  low, 
Had  graced  the  triumphs  of  his  Trojan  foe, 
But  the  brave  squire  the  ready  coursers  brought. 
And  with  his  life  his  master's  safety  bought. 
Between  his  cheek  and  ear  tlie  weapon  went, 
The  teeth  it  shatter'd,  and  the  tougue  it  rent. 
Prone  from  the  seat  he  tumbles  to  the  plain; 
His  dying  hand  forgets  the  falling  rein; 
This  Merion  reaches,  bending  from  the  car. 
And  urges  to  desert  the  hopeless  war: 
Idomeneus  consents;  the  lash  applies; 
And  the  swift  chariot  to  the  navy  flies. 

Not  Ajax  less  the  will  of  he;iven  descried. 
And  conquest  shifting  to  the  Trojan  side, 
Turn'd  by  the  hand  of  Jove.     Then  thus  begun. 
To  Atreus'  seed,  the  godlike  Telamon : 

"Alas!  who  sees  not  Jove's  almighty  hand 
Transfers  the  glory  to  the  Trojan  band? 
Whether  the  weak  or  strong  discharge  the  dart. 
He  guides  each  arrow  to  a  Grecian  heart: 


THE  ILIAD.  411 

Not  so  our  spears;  incessant  though  they  rain, 
He  suffers  every  lance  to  fall  in  vain. 
Deserted  of  the  god,  yet  let  us  try 
What  human  strength  and  prudence  can  supply. 
If  yet  this  honorM  corse,  in  triumph  borne, 
May  glad  the  fleets  that  hope  not  our  return. 
Who  tremble  yet,  scarce  rescued  from  their  fates, 
And  still  hear  Hector  thundering  at  their  gates. 
Some  hero  too  must  be  despatch 'd  to  bear 
The  mournful  message  to  Pelides'  ear; 
For  sure  he  knows  not,  distant  on  the  shore, 
His  friend,  his  loved  Patroclus,  is  no  more. 
But  such  a  chief  I  spy  not  through  the  host: 
The  men,  the  steeds,  the  armies,  all  are  lost 
In  general  darkness — ■ — Lord  of  earth  and  air! 
Oh  king!  Oh  father!  hear  my  humble  j)rayer: 
Dispel  this  cloud,  the  light  of  heaven  restore; 
Give  me  to  see,  and  Ajax  asks  no  more: 
If  Greece  must  perish,  we  thy  will  obey. 
But  let  us  perish  in  the  face  of  day!" 

With  tears  the  hero  spoke,  and  at  his  prayer 
The  god  relenting  clear'd  the  clouded  air; 
Forth  burst  the  sun  with  all-enlightening  ray; 
The  blaze  of  armor  flash'd  against  the  day. 
"Now,  now,  Atrides!  cast  around  thy  sight; 
If  yet  Antilochus  survives  the  fight. 
Let  him  to  great  Achilles'  ear  convey 
The  fatal  news" Atrides  hastes  away. 

So  turns  the  lion  from  the  nightly  fold. 
Though  iiigh  in  courage,  and  with  hunger  bold, 
Long  gall'd  by  herdsmen,  and  long  vex'd  by  hounds, 
Stitf  with  fatigue,  and  fretted  sore  with  wounds; 
The  darts  fly  round  him  from  a  hundred  hands. 
And  the  re<l  terrors  of  the  bla/Jng  brands: 
Till  late,  reluctant,  at  the  dawn  of  day 
Sour  he  departs,  and  quits  the  untasted  prey, 
So  moved  Atrides  from  his  dangei'ous  place 
With  weary  limbs,  but  with  unwilling  j)ace; 
The  foe,  he  fear'd,  might  yet  Patroclus  gain. 
And  much  admonish'd,  much  adjured  his  train: 

"0  guard  those  relics  to  your  charge  consign'd. 
And  bear  the  merits  of  the  dead  in  mind; 
IIow  skill'd  ho  was  in  each  obligiug  art: 
The  mihjdst  manners,  and  the  gentlest  heart: 
Uo  was,  alas!  but  fato  decreed  iiis  end. 


412  THE  ILIAD. 

In  death  a  hero,  as  in  life  a  friend!" 

So  parts  the  chief;  from  rank  to  rank  he  flew, 
And  round  on  all  sides  sent  his  piercing  view. 
As  the  bold  bird,  endued  with  sharpest  eye 
Of  all  that  wings  the  mid  aerial  sky, 
The  sacred  eagle,  from  his  walks  above 
Looks  down,  and  sees  the  distant  thicket  move; 
Then  stoops,  and  sousing  on  the  quivering  hare, 
Snatches  his  life  amid  the  clouds  of  air. 
Not  with  less  quickness,  his  exerted  sight 
Pass'd  this  and  that  way,  through  the  ranks  of  fight: 
Till  on  the  left  the  chief  he  sought,  he  found, 
Cheering  his  men,  and  spreading  deaths  around: 

To  him  the  king:  "Beloved  of  Jove!  draw  near, 
For  sadder  tidings  never  touch'd  thy  car; 
Thy  eyes  have  witness'd  what  a  fatal  turn! 
How  ilion  triumphs,  and  the  Achaians  mourn.  . 
This  is  not  all:  Patroclus,  on  the  shore 
Now  pale  and  dead,  shall  succor  Greece.no  more. 
Fly  to  the  fleet,  this  instant  fly,  and  tell 
The  sad  Achilles  how  his  loved-one  fell: 
He  too  may  haste  the  naked  corse  to  gain: 
The  arms  are  Hector's,  who  despoil'd  the  slain.'* 

The  youthful  warrior  heard  with  silent  woe, 
From  his  fair  eyes  the  tears  began  to  flow: 
Big  with  the  mighty  grief,  he  strove  to  say 
What  sorrow  dictates,  but  no  word  found  way. 
To  brave  Laodocus  his  arms  he  flung, 
Who,  near  him  wheeling,  drove  his  steeds  along; 
Then  ran  the  mournful  message  to  impart. 
With  tearful  eyes,  and  with  dejected  heart. 

Swift  fled  the  youth:  nor  Menelaiis  stands 
(Though  sore  distress'd)  to  aid  the  Pylian  bands; 
But  bids  bold  Thrasymede  those  troops  sustain; 
Himself  returns  to  his  Patroclus  slain. 
"Gone  is  Antilochus  {the  hero  said); 
But  hope  not,  warriors,  for  Achilles'  aid : 
Though  fierce  his  rage,  unbounded  be  his  woe, 
Unarm'd,  he  fights  not  with  the  Trojan  foe. 
'Tis  in  our  hands  alone  our  hopes  remain, 
'Tis  our  own  vigor  must  the  dead  regain. 
And  save  ourselves,  while  with  impetuous  hate 
Troy  pours  along,  and  this  way  rolls  our  fate." 

"  'Tis  well  (said  Ajax),  be  it  then  thy  care. 
With  Merlon's  aid,  the  weighty  corse  toy'ear; 


■    THE  ILIAD.  413 

Myself,  and  my  bold  brother  will  sustain 

The  shock  of  Hector  and  his  charging  train: 

Xor  fear  we  armies,  fighting  side  by  side; 

What  Troy  can  dare,  we  have  already  tried, 

Have  tried  it,  and  have  stood."     The  hero  said. 

High  from  the  ground  the  warriors  heave  the  dead. 

A  general  clamor  rises  at  the  sight: 

Loud  shout  the  Trojans,  and  renew  the  fight. 

Xot  fiercer  rush  along  the  gloomy  wood, 

With  rage  insatiate,  and  with  thirst  of  blood, 

Voracious  hounds,  that  many  a  length  before 

Their  furious  hunters,  drive  the  wounded  boar; 

But  if  the  savage  turns  his  glaring  eye. 

They  howl  aloof,  and  round  the  forest  fly. 

Thus  on  retreating  Greece  the  Trojans  pour. 

Wave  their  thick  falchions,  and  their  javelins  shower: 

But  Ajax  turning,  to  their  fears  they  yield. 

All  paie  they  tremble  and  forsake  the  field. 

While  thus  aloft  the  hero's  corse  they  bear, 
Behind  them  rages  all  the  storm  of  war: 
Confusion,  tumult,  horror,  o'er  the  throng 
Of  men,  steeds,  chariots,  urged  the  rout  along: 
Less  fierce  the  winds  with  rising  flames  conspire 
To  whelm  some  city  under  waves  of  fire; 
Now  sink  in  gloomy  clouds  the  jiroud  abodes, 
Now  crack  the  blazing  temples  of  the  gods; 
The  rumbling  torrent  through  the  ruin  rolls, 
And  sheets  of  smoke  mount  heavy  to  the  poles. 
The  heroes  sweat  beneath  their  honor'd  load: 
As  when  two  Jiiules,  along  the  rugged  road, 
P'rom  the  steep  mountain  witli  exerted  strength 
Drag  some  vast  beam,  or  mast's  unwieldy  length; 
Inly  they  groan,  big  drops  of  sweat  distill, 
The  enormous  timber  lumbering  down  the  hill: 
So  those — Behind,  the  bulk  of  Ajax  stands. 
And  breaks  the  torrent  of  the  rushing  bands. 
Tlitis  when  a  river  swell'd  with  sudden  rains 
Spreads  his  broad  waters  o'er  the  level  plains, 
Some  interposing  hill  the  stream  divides, 
And  breaks  its  force,  ami  turns  the  winding  tides. 
Still  close  they  follow,  close  the  rear  engage; 
^neas  storms,  and  He(;lor  foams  with  rage: 
While  Greece  a  heavy,  thick  retreat  maintains, 
Wedged  in  one  body,  liko  a  flight  of  cranes, 
That  shrink  inr-fssaTit,  while  the  falcon,  hung 


414  TEE  ILIAD. 

High  on  poised  pinions,  threats  their  callow  young. 
So  from  the  Trojan  chiefs  the  Grecians  fly, 
Such  the  wild  terror,  and  the  mingled  cry: 
Within,  without  the  trench,  and  all  the  way, 
Strow'd  in  bright  heaps,  their  arms  and  armor  lay; 
Such  horror  Jove  impress'd!  yet  still  proceeds 
The  work  of  death,  and  still  the  battle  bleeds. 


TEE  ILIAD.  415 


BOOK  XVIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE   GRIEF   OF   ACHILLES,    AND    NEW   ARMOR   MADE 
HIM    BY   VULCAN. 

The  news  of  tlie  death  of  Patroclus  is  brought  to  Achilles  by 
Antilochus.  Thetis,  hearing  his  lamentations,  comes  with 
all  her  sea-nymphs  to  comfort  him.  The  speeches  of  the 
mother  and  son  on  this  occasion.  Iris  appears  to  Achilles  by 
the  command  of  Juno,  and  orders  him  to  show  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  intrenchments.  The  sight  of  him  turns  the 
fortunes  of  the  day,  and  the  body  of  Patroclus  is  carried  off 
by  the  Greeks.  The  Trojans  call  acouncil,  where  Hector  and 
Polydamas  disagree  in  their  opinions:  but  the  advice  of  the 
former  prevails,  to  remain  encamped  in  the  field.  The  grief 
of  Achilles  over  the  body  of  Patroclus. 

Thetis  goes  to  the  palace  of  Vulcan  to  obtain  new  arms  for 
her  son.  The  description  of  the  wonderful  works  of  Vulcan: 
and,  lastly,  that  noble  one  of  the  shield  of  Achilles. 

The  latter  part  of  the  nine-and-twentieth  day,  and  the 
night  ensuing,  take  up  this  book;  the  scene  is  at  Achilles' 
teat  on  the  seashore,  from  whence  it  changes  to  the  palace 
of  Vulcan. 

Thus  like  the  rage  of  fire  the  combat  burns,* 
And  now  it  ri.ses,  now  it  sinks  by  turns. 
Meanwhile,  where  Hellespont's  broad  waters  flow, 
Stood  Nestor's  son,  the  messenger  of  woe: 
There  sat  Achilles,  shaded  by  his  sails. 
On  hoisted  yards  extended  to  the  gales; 
Pensive  he  sat;  f<jr  all  tiiat  fate  design'd 
liose  in  sad  prospect  to  his  boding  mind. 
Thus  to  his  soul  ho  said:   "Ah!  what  constrains 
The  Greeks,  late  victors,  now  to  quit  the  plains? 
Is  this  the  day,  which  heaven  so  long  ago 
Ordain'd,  to  sink  me  with  the  weiglit  of  woe? 

*This  18  connected  with  the  earlier  part  of  la-st  book,  the 
regular  narrative  being  interrupted  by  the  message  of  Antilochus 
and  the  lamentations  of  Achilles. 


416  THE  ILIAD. 

(So  Thetis  warn'd;)  when  by  a  Trojan  hand 

The  bravest  of  the  Myrmidonian  band 

Should  lose  the  light!     Fullilled  is  that  decree; 

Fallen  is  the  warrior,  and  Patroclus  he! 

In  vain  I  charged  him  soon  to  quit  the  plain, 

And  warn'd  to  shun  Hectorean  force  in  vain!" 

Thus  while  he  thinks,  Antilochus  appears, 
And  tells  the  melancholy  tale  with  tears. 
"Sad  tidings,  son  of  Peleus!  thou  must  hear; 
And  wretched  I,  the  unwilling  messenger! 
Dead  is  Patroclus!     For  his  corse  they  fight; 
His  naked  corse:  his  arms  are  Hector's  right." 

A  sudden  horror  shot  through  all  the  chief. 
And  wrapped  his  senses  in  the  cloud  of  grief; 
Cast  on  the  ground,  with  furious  hands  he  spread 
The  scorching  ashes  o'er  his  graceful  head; 
His  purple  garments,  and  his  golden  hairs. 
Those  he  deforms  with  dust,  and  these  he  tears; 
On  the  hard  soil  his  groaning  breast  he  threw, 
And  roll'd  and  grovell'd,  as  to  earth  he  grew. 
The  virgin  captives,  with  disorder'd  charms 
(Won  by  his  own,  or  by  Patroclus'  armS;) 
Kush'd   from   their   tents  with   cries;  and    gathering 

round. 
Beat  their  white  breasts,  and  fainted  on  the  ground: 
While  Nestor's  son  sustains  a  manlier  part, 
And  mourns  the  warrior  with  a  warrior's  heart; 
Hangs  on  his  arms,  amidst  his  frantic  woe, 
And  oft  prevents  the  meditated  blow. 

Far  in  the  deep  abysses  of  the  main, 
With  hoary  Nereus,  and  the  watery  train,* 
The  mother-goddess  from  her  crystal  throne 
Heard  his  loud  cries,  and  answer'd  groan  for  groan. 
The  circling  Nereids  with  their  mistress  weep, 
And  all  the  sea-green  sisters  of  the  deep. 
Thalia,  Glauce  (every  watery  name), 
Nessea  mild,  and  silver  Spio  came: 
Cymotiioe  and  Cymodoce  were  nigh, 
And  tlie  blue  languish  of  soft  Alia's  eye. 
Their  locks  Actsea  and  Liniuoria  rear, 
Then  Proto,  Doris,  Panope  appear, 
rhoa,  Pherusa,  Doto,  Melita; 

*  Far  in  tJie  deep.  So  Oceanus  bears  the  lamentations  of 
Prometheus,  in  tlie  play  of  Jilscliylus,  and  comes  from  tbe  depths 
of  the  sea  to  comfort  him. 


THE  ILIAD.  417 

Agave  gentle,  and  Amphithoe  gay: 

Next  Calliauira,  Callianassa  show 

Their  sister  looks;     Dexamene  the  slow. 

And  swift  Dynaniene,  now  cut  the  tides: 

Ifera  now  the  verdant  wave  divides: 

Nemertes  with  Apseudes  lifts  the  head, 

Bright  Galates  quits  her  pearly  bed; 

These  Oryhtia,  Clyniene,  attend, 

McBra,  Amphinome,  the  train  extend; 

And  black  Janira,  and  Janassa  fair, 

And  Amatheiit  with  her  amber  hair. 

All  these,  and  all  that  deep  in  ocean  held 

Their  sacred  seats,  the  glimmering  grotto  fill'd; 

Each  beat  her  ivory  breast  with  silent  woe. 

Till  Thetis'  sorrows  thus  began  to  flow: 

''Hear  me,  and  judge,  ye  sisters  of  the  main! 
How  just  a  cause  has  Thetis  to  complain! 
How  wretched,  were  I  mortal,  were  my  fate! 
How  more  tiian  wretched  in  the  immortal  state! 
Sprung  from  my  bed  a  godlike  hero  came, 
The  bravest  far  that  ever, bore  the  name; 
Like  some  fair  olive,  by  my  careful  hand 
He  grew,  lie  flourish'd  and  adorn'd  the  land! 
To  Troy  I  sent  him:  but  tlie  fates  ordain 
He  never,  never  must  return  again. 
So  short  a  space  tlie  light  of  lieaven  to  view, 
So  short,  alas!  and  fill'd  with  anguish  too! 
Hear  how  his  sorrows  echo  through  the  shore! 
I  cannot  ease  them,  but  must  deplore; 
I  go  at  least  to  bear  a  teJider  part, 
And  mourn  my  loved-ono  with  a  mother's  heart." 

She  said,  and  left  the  caverns  of  the  main, 
All  bathed  in  tears;  tlie  melancholy  train 
Attend  her  way.      Wide-oi)cning  ])art  the  tides, 
While  the  long  pomp  tlie  silver  waves  divides. 
Approacliing  now,  they  touch'd  tlie  Trdjau  land; 
T'hen,  two  by  two,  ascended  up  the  strand. 
The  immortal  mother,  standing  close  beside 
Her  mournful  olTspring,  to  his  sighs  roi)lied; 
Along  the  coast  their  mingled  clamors  ran. 
And  thus  the  silvc-r-foritcd  danie  began: 

"Why  mourns  my  son?  thy  late  preferr'd  request 
The  go(l  has  granted,  and  the  Greeks  distress'd: 
Why  mourns  my  son?  thy  anguish  let  mo  share, 
Keveal  the  cause,  and  trust  a  parent's  care."^ 


418  THE  ILIAD. 

He,  deeply  groaning — "To  this  cureless  grief, 
Not  even  the  Thunderer's  favor  brings  relief. 
Patroclus — Ah! — say,  goddess,  can  I  boast 
A  pleasure  now?  revenge  itself  is  lost; 
Patroclus,  loved  of  all  my  martial  train, 
Beyond  mankind,  beyond  myself,  is  slain! 
Lost  are  those  arms  the  gods  themselves  bestow'd 
On  Peleus;  Hector  bears  the  glorious  load. 
Cursed  be  that  day,  when  all  the  powers  above 
Thy  charms  submitted  to  a  mortal  love: 

0  hadst  thou  still,  a  sister  of  the  main, 
Pursued  the  pleasures  of  the  watery  reign: 
And  happier  Peleus,  less  ambitious  led 

A  mortal  beauty  to  his  equal  bed  I 

Ere  the  sad  fruit  of  thy  unhajipy  womb 

Had  caused  such  sorrows  past,  and  woes  to  come; 

Por  soon,  alasl  that  wretched  offspring  slain. 

New  woes,  new  sorrows,  shall  create  again. 

'Tis  not  in  fate  the  alternate  now  to  give; 

Patroclus  dead,  Achilles  hates  to  live. 

Let  me  revenge  it  on  proud  Hector's  heart. 

Let  his  last  spirit  smoke  upon  my  dart: 

On  these  conditions  will  I  breathe:  till  then, 

1  blush  to  walk  among  the  race  of  men." 

A  flood  of  tears,  at  this,  the  goddess  shed: 
"Ah  then,  I  see  thee  dying,  see  thee  dead! 
When  Hector  falls,  thou  diest." — "Let  Hector  die, 
And  let  me  fall!  (Achilles  made  reply) 
Far  lies  Patroclus  from  his  native  plain! 
He  fell,  and  falling,  wish'd  my  aid  in  vain. 
Ah  then,  since  from  this  miserable  day 
I  cast  all  hope  of  my  return  away; 
Since,  unrevenged,  a  hundred  ghosts  demand 
The  fate  of  Hector  from  Achilles'  hand; 
Since  here,  for  brutal  courage  far  renown'd, 
I  live  an  idle  burden  to  the  ground 
(Others  in  council  famed  for  nobler  skill, 
More  useful  to  preserve,  than  I  to  kill). 
Let  me — 13ut  oh!  ye  gracious  powers  above! 
Wrath  and  revenge  from  men  and  gods  remove; 
Far,  far  too  dear  to  every  mortal  breast, 
Sweet  to  the  soul,  as  honey  to  the  taste: 
Gathering  like  vapors  of  a  noxious  kind 
From  fiery  blood,  and  darkening  all  the  mind. 
!Me  Agamemnon  urged  to  deadly  hate; 


THE  ILIAD.  419 

'Tis  past — I  quell  it;  I  resign  to  fate. 

Yes — ■!  will  meet  the  murderer  of  my  friend; 

Or  (if  the  gods  ordain  it)  meet  my  end. 

The  stroke  of  fate  the  strongest  cannot  shun: 

The  great  Alcides,  Jove's  unequall'd  son, 

To  Juno's  hate,  at  length  resign'd  liis  breath, 

And  sunk  the  victim  of  all-conquering  death. 

So  shall  Achilles  fail  I  stretch'd  pale  aud  dead, 

No  more  the  Grecian  hope,  or  Trojan  dread  I 

Let  me,  this  instant,  rush  into  the  fields, 

And  reap  what  glory  life's  short  harvest  yields. 

Shall  I  not  force  some  widow'd  dame  to  tear 

With  frantic  hands  her  long  dishevell'd  hair? 

Shall  I  not  force  her  breast  to  heave  with  sighs. 

And  the  soft  tears  to  trickle  from  her  eyes? 

Yes,  I  shall  give  the  fair  those  mournful  charms — 

In  vain  you  hold  me — Hence!  my  arms!  my  arms! — 

Soon  shall  the  sanguine  torrent  spread  so  wide, 

That  all  shall  know  Achilles  swells  the  tide." 

"My  son  (ccerulean  Thetis  made  reply, 
To  fate  submitting  with  a  secret  sigh), 
The  host  to  succor,  and  thy  friends  to  save. 
Is  worthy  thee;  the  duty  of  tlie  brave. 
Bat  canst  thou,  naked,  issue  to  the  plains? 
Thy  radiant  arms  the  Trojan  foe  detains. 
Insulting  Hector  bears  the  spoils  on  high. 
But  vainly  glories,  for  his  fate  is  nigh. 
Yet,  yet  awhile  thy  generous  ardor  stay; 
Assured,  I  meet  thee  at  the  dawn  of  day, 
Charged  with  refulgent  arms  (a  glorious  load); 
Viilcanian  arms,  the  labor  of  a  god." 

Then  turning  to  the  daughters  of  the  main, 
The  goddess  thus  dismiss'd  her  azure  train: 

"Ye  sister  Nereids!  to  your  deeps  descend; 
Haste,  and  our  father's  sacred  seat  attend; 
I  go  to  find  the  architect  divine, 
Where  vast  Olympus'  starry  summits  shine: 
So  tell  our  hoary  sire" — This  charge  she  gave: 
The  sea-green  sisters  plunge  beii'iath  the  wave: 
Thetis  once  more  ascends  the  bless'd  abodes, 
And  treads  the  brazen  threshold  of  the  gods. 

An(l  now  the  Greeks  from  furious  Hector's  force, 
Urge  to  broad  Hellespont  tiieir  headlong  course; 
Nor  yet  their  chiefs  I'atroclus'  body  bore 
Safe  through  the  tempest  to  the  tented  shore. 


420  THE  ILIAD. 

The  horse,  the  foot,  with  equal  fury  join'd, 
Pour'd  on  the  rear,  ami  thunder'd  close  behind: 
And  liiie  a  flame  through  fields  of  ripen 'd  corn, 
The  rage  of  Hector  o'er  tlie  ranks  was  borne. 
Thrice  the  slain  hero  by  the  foot  he  drew; 
Thrice  to  the  skies  the  Trojan  clamors  flew: 
As  oft  the  Ajaces  his  assault  sustain; 
But  check'd,  he  turns;  repuls'd,  attacks  again. 
With  fiercer  shouts  his  lingering  troops  he  fires, 
Nor  yields  a  step,  nor  from  his  post  retires: 
So  watchful  shepherds  strive  to  force,  in  vain, 
The  hungry  lion  from  a  carcase  slain. 
Even  yet  Patroclus  had  he  borne  away, 
And  all  the  glories  of  the  extended  day. 
Had  not  high  Juno  from  the  realms  of  air. 
Secret,  despatch'd  her  trusty  messenger. 
The  various  goddess  of  the  showery  bow, 
Shot  in  a  whirlwind  to  the  shore  below; 
To  great  Achilles  at  his  ships  she  came, 
And  thus  began  the  many-color'd  dame: 

"Rise,  son  of  Peleus!  rise,  divinely  brave! 
Assist  the  combat,  and  Patroclus  save: 
For  him  the  slaughter  to  the  fleet  they  spread, 
And  fall  by  mutual  wounds  around  the  dead. 
To  drag  him  back  to  Troy  the  foe  contends: 
Nor  with  his  death  the  rage  of  Hector  ends: 
A  prey  to  dogs  he  dooms  the  corse  to  lie, 
And  marks  the  place  to  fix  his  head  on  high. 
Pise,  and  prevent  (if  yet  you  think  of  fame) 
Thy  friend's  disgrace,  thy  own  eternal  shame!" 

"Who  sends  thee,  goddess,  from  the  ethereal  skies?" 
Achilles  thus.     And  Iris  thus  replies: 

"I  come,  Pel  ides!  from  the  queen  of  Jove, 
The  immortal  empress  of  the  realms  above; 
Unknown  to  him  who  sits  remote  on  high, 
Unknown  to  all  the  synod  of  the  sky," 
"Thou  comest  in  vain  (he  cries  with  fury  warm'd); 
Arms  I  have  none,  and  can  I  fight  unarm'd? 
Unwilling  as  I  am,  of  force  I  stay, 
Till  Thetis  bring  me  at  the  dawn  of  day 
Vulcanian  arms:  what  other  can  I  wield. 
Except  the  mighty  Telamonian  shield? 
That,  in  my  friend's  defence,  has  Ajax  spread, 
While  his  strong  lance  around  him  heaps  the  dead: 
The  gallant  chief  defends  Mencetius'  son. 


TEE  ILIAD.  421 

And  Joes  what  his  Achilles  should  have  done." 
"Thy  want  cf  arms  (said  Iris)  well  we  know: 
But  thougli  unarm'd,  yet  clad  in  terrors,  gol 
Let  but  Achilles  o'er  you  trench  appear, 
Proud  Troy  shall  tremble,  and  consent  to  fear; 
Greece  from  one  glance  of  that  tremendous  eye 
Shall  take  new  courage,  and  disdain  to  fly." 

She  spoke,  and  pass'd  in  air.     The  liero  rose: 
Her  jegis  Pallas  o'er  his  shoulder  throws; 
Around  his  brows  a  goklen  cloud  she  spread: 
A  stream  of  glory  flamed  above  his  head. 
As  when  from  some  beleaguer'd  town  arise 
The  smokes,  high  curling  to  the  shaded  skies; 
(Seen  from  some  island,  o'er  the  main  afar, 
When  men  distress'd  hang  out  the  sign  of  war;) 
Soon  as  the  sun  in  ocean  hides  his  rays. 
Thick  on  the  hills  the  flaming  beacons  blaze; 
AVith  long-projected  beams  the  seas  are  bright, 
And  heaven's  high  arch  reflects  the  ruddy  light; 
So  from  Achilles'  head  the  s])lendors  rise, 
Reflecting  blaze  on  blaze  against  the  skies. 
Forth  march 'd  the  chief,  and  distant  from  the  crowd, 
High  on  the  rampart  raised  his  voice  aloud; 
"With  her  own  shout  Minerva  swells  the  sound; 
Troy  starts  astonish'd,  and  the  shores  rebound. 
As  the  loud  trumpet's  lirazen  mouth  from  far 
"With  shrilling  clangor  sounds  tiie  alarm  of  war. 
Struck  from  the  wails,  the  echoes  float  on  liigh. 
And  the  round  bulwarks  and  thick  towers  reply; 
So  high  his  brazen  voice  the  hero  rear'd : 
Hosts  dropped  their  arms,  and  trembled  as  they  heard: 
And  back  the  chariots  roll,  and  coursers  bound, 
And  steeds  and  men  lie  mingled  on  the  ground. 
Aghast  they  sec  the  living  lightJiings  i)lay. 
And  turn  their  eyeballs  from  the  flashing  ray. 
Thrice  from  the  tr(>ii(;h  iiis  dreadful  voice  he  raised, 
An<i  thrice  they  fled,  confounded  and  amazed. 
'J\velvo  in  the  tumult  wedged,  untimely  rush'd 
On  tiieir  own  spears,  by  their  own  chariots  crusli'd: 
While,  shielded  from  tlie  darts,  the  (Jreeks  olitain 
'JMie  long-(;ontend(,'d  carca.se  of  tlie  slain. 

A  lofty  bier  the  breathless  warrior  bears: 
Around,  his  .sail  r;onij)anioiis  molt  in  tears, 
liut  chief  Achilles,  bending  down  his  head, 
Pours  unavailing  sorrows  o'er  the  dead, 


422  THE  ILIAD. 

Whom  late  triumphant,  with  his  steeds  and  car, 
He  sent  refulgent  to  the  field  of  war; 
(Unhappy  change!)  now  senseless,  pale,  he  found, 
Stretch'd  forth,  and  gash'd  with  many  a  gaping  Avound. 

Meantime,  unwearied  with  his  heavenly  way, 
In  ocean's  waves  the  unwilling  light  of  day 
Quench'd  his  red  orb,  at  Juno's  high  command, 
And  from  their  labors  eased  the  Achaiau  baud. 
The  frighted  Trojans  (panting  from  the  war, 
Their  steeds  unharness'd  from  the  w-eary  car) 
A  sudden  council  call'd :  each  chief  appear'd 
In  haste  and  standing;  for  to  sit  they  fear'd. 
'Twas  now  no  season  for  prolong'd  debate; 
They  saw  Achilles,  and  in  him  their  fate. 
Silent  they  stood:  Polydamas  at  last, 
Skill'd  to  discern  the  future  by  the  past, 
The  son  of  Panthus,  thus  express'd  his  fears 
(The  friend  of  Hector,  and  of  equal  years; 
The  self-same  night  to  both  a  being  gave. 
One  wise  in  council,  one  in  action  brave): 

"In  free  debate,  my  friends,  your  sentence  speak; 
For  me,  I  move,  before  the  morning  break, 
To  raise  our  camp:  too  dangerous  here  our  post. 
Far  from  Troy  walls,  and  on  a  naked  coast. 
I  deem'd  not  Greece  so  dreadful,  while  engaged 
In  mutual  feuds  her  king  and  hero  raged; 
Then,  while  we  hoped  our  armies  might  prevail, 
We  boldly  camp'd  beside  a  thousand  sail. 
I  dread  Pelides  now;  his  rage  of  mind 
Not  long  continues  to  the  shores  confined, 
Nor  to  the  fields,  where  long  in  equal  fray 
Contending  nations  won  and  lost  the  day; 
For  Troy,  for  Troy,  shall  henceforth  be  the  strife; 
And  the  hard  contest  not  for  fame,  but  life. 
Haste  then  to  Uion,  while  the  favoring  night 
Detains  these  terrors,  keeps  that  arm  from  fight. 
If  but  the  morrow's  sun  behold  us  here, 
That  arm,  those  terrors,  we  shall  feel,  not  fear; 
And  hearts  that  now  disdain,  shall  leap  with  joy, 
If  heaven  permit  them  then  to  enter  Troy. 
Let  not  my  fatal  prophecy  be  true, 
Nor  what  I  tremble  but  to  think,  ensue. 
Whatever  be  our  fate,  yet  let  us  try 
What  force  of  thought  and  reason  can  supply; 
Let  us  on  counsel  for  our  guard  depend; 


THE  ILIAD.  423 

The  town  her  gates  aud  bulwarks  shall  defend. 
When  morning  dawns,  our  well-appointed  powers, 
Array'd  in  arms,  shall  line  the  lofty  towers, 
Let  the  tierce  hero,  then,  when  fury  calls, 
Vent  his  mad  vengeance  on  onr  rocky  walls. 
Or  fetch  a  thousand  circles  around  the  plain, 
Till  his  spent  coursers  seek  the  fleet  again: 
So  may  his  rage  be  tired,  and  labor'd  down! 
And  dogs  shall  tear  him  ere  he  sack  the  town." 

"EeturnI  (said  Llector,  fired  with  stern  disdain) 
What!  coop  whole  armies  in  our  walls  again? 
Was't  not  enough,  ye  valiant  warriors,  say, 
Nine  years  imprison'd  in  those  towers  ye  lay? 
Wide  o'er  the  world  was  Ilion  famed  of  old 
For  brass  exhaustless,  and  for  mines  of  gold : 
But  while  inglorious  in  her  walls  we  stay'd, 
Sunk  were  her  treasures,  and  her  stores  decay'd; 
Tlie  Phrygians  now  her  scatter'd  spoils  enjoy, 
And  proud  Majonia  wastes  the  fruits  of  Troy. 
Great  Jove  at  length  my  arms  to  conquest  calls, 
And  shuts  the  Grecians  in  tlieir  wooden  walls: 
Darest  thou  dispirit  whom  the  gods  incite? 
Flies  any  Trojan?     I  shall  stop  his  flight. 
To  better  counsel  then  attention  lend; 
Take  due  refreshment,  and  the  watch  attend. 
If  there  be  one  whose  riches  cost  him  care. 
Forth  let  him  bring  them  for  the  troops  to  share; 
'Tis  better  generously  bestow'd  on  those, 
Than  left  the  plunder  of  our  country's  foes. 
Soon  as  the  morn  the  purple  orient  warms, 
Fierce  on  yon  navy  will  we  pour  our  arms. 
If  great  Achilles  rise  in  all  his  might. 
His  be  the  danger:  I  shall  stand  the  fight. 
Honor,  ye  gods!  or  let  me  gain  or  give; 
And  live  ho  glorious,  whosoe'er  shall  live! 
Mars  is  our  common  lord,  alike  to  all; 
And  oft  the  victor  triumphs,  but  to  fall." 

The  sliuuting  host  in  loud  ajjplauses  joiu'd; 
So  Pallas  robb'd  the  many  of  their  mind; 
To  their  own  sense  condeniu'd.  and  left  to  (;hoose 
The  worst  advice,  the  better  to  refuse. 

While  the  long  night  extends  her  sable  reign, 
Around  Patroclns  mourn'd  the  Grecian  train. 
Stern  in  superior  grief  Pelides  stood ; 
Those  slaughtering  arms,  so  used  to  bathe  iu  blood, 


424  THE  ILIAD. 

Now  clasp  his  clay-cold  limbs:  then  gushing  start 
The  tears,  and  sighs  hurst  from  his  swelling  heart. 
The  lion  thus,  with  dreadful  anguish  stung, 
Roars  through  the  desert,  and  demands  his  young; 
When  the  grim  savage,  to  his  rifled  den 
Too  late  returning,  snuffs  the  track  of  men, 
And  o'er  the  vales  and  o'er  the  forest  bounds; 
His  clamorous  grief  the  bellowing  wood  resounds. 
So  grieves  Achilles;  and,  impetuous,  vents 
To  all  his  Myrmidons  his  loud  laments. 

"In  what  vain  promise,  gods!  did  I  engage, 
When  to  console  Menoetius'  feeble  age, 
1  vowed  his  much-loved  offspring  to  restore, 
Charged  with  rich  spoils,  to  fair  Opuntia's  shore?* 
But  mighty  Jove  cuts  short,  with  just  disdain. 
The  long,  long  views  of  poor  designing  man ! 
One  fate  the  warrior  and  the  friend  shall  strike, 
And  Troy's  black  sands  must  drink  our  blood  alike: 
Me  too  a  wretched  mother  shall  deplore, 
An  aged  father  never  see  me  more! 
Yet,  my  Patroclus!  yet  a  space  I  stay. 
Then  swift  pursue  thee  on  the  darksome  way. 
Ere  thy  dear  relics  in  the  grave  are  laid. 
Shall  Hector's  head  be  offer'd  to  thy  shade; 
That,  with  his  arms,  shall  hang  before  thy  shrine: 
And  twelve,  the  noblest  of  the  Trojan  line. 
Sacred  to  vengeance,  by  this  hand  expire; 
Their  lives  effused  around  thy  flaming  pyre. 
Thus  let  me  lie  till  then!  thus,  closely  press'd, 
Bathe  thy  cold  face,  and  sob  upon  thy  breast! 
While  Trojan  captives  here  thy  mourners  stay, 
Weep  all  the  night,  and  murmur  all  the  day: 
Spoils  of  my  arms,  and  thine;  when,  wasting  wide, 
Our  swords  kept  time,  and  conquer'd  side  by  side." 

He  spoke,  and  bade  the  sad  attendants  round 
Cleanse  the  pale  corse,  and  wash  each  honor'd  wound. 
A  massy  caldron  of  stupendous  frame 
They  brought,  and  placed  it  o'er  the  rising  flame: 
Then  heap'd  the  lighted  wood;  the  flame  divides 
Beneath  the  vase,  and  climbs  around  the  sides: 
In  its  wide  womb  they  pour  the  rushing  stream; 
The  boiling  water  bubbles  to  the  brim. 
The  body  then  they  bathe  with  pious  toil, 

*  Opuntia,  a  city  of  Locris. 


THE  ILIAD.  425 

Embalm  tlie  wounds,  anoint  the  limbs  with  oil, 

High  (m  a  bed  of  state  extended  laid, 

And  decent  cover'd  with  a  linen  shade; 

Last,  o'er  the  dead  the  milk-white  veil  they  threw: 

That  done,  their  sorrows  and  their  sighs  renew. 

Meanwhile  to  Juno,  in  the  realms  above 
(His  wife  and  sister),  spoke  almighty  Jove. 
"At  last  thy  will  prevails;  great  Peleus'  son 
Eises  in  arms:  such  grace  thy  Greeks  have  won. 
Say  (for  I  know  not),  is  their  race  divine. 
And  thou  the  mother  of  that  martial  line?" 

"What  words  are  these?  (the  imperial  dame  replies, 
"While  anger  flash'd  from  her  majestic  eyes) 
Succor  like  this  a  mortal  arm  might  lend. 
And  such  success  mere  human  wit  attend: 
And  shall  not  I,  the  second  power  above, 
Heaven's  queen,  andconsort  of  the  thundering  Jove, 
Say,  shall  not  I  one  nation's  fate  command, 
Not  wreak  my  vengeance  on  one  guilty  land?" 

80  they.     Meanwhile  the  silver-footed  dame 
Eeach'd  the  Vulcanian  dome,  eternal  frame! 
High-eminent  amid  the  works  divine, 
Where  heaven's  far-beaming  brazen  mansions  shine. 
There  the  lame  architect  the  goddess  found, 
Obscure  in  smoke,  his  forges  flaming  round, 
AVbile  l)athcd  in  sweat  from  fire  to  fire  he  flew. 
And  jtufling  hjud,  the  roaring  billows  blew. 
That  day  no  common  task  his  labor  claim'd: 
Full  twenty  tripods  for  his  hall  he  framed, 
That  ])laccd  on  living  wheels  of  massy  gold, 
(Wondrous  to  tell,)  instinct  with  s])irit  roU'd 
From  place  to  place,  around  the  bless'd  abodes 
Self-moved,  obedient  to  the  beck  of  gods: 
For  their  fair  handles  now,  o'erwrought  with  flowers 
In  moulds  ])repared,  the  glowing  ore  he  pours. 
.Just  as  resj)on.sive  to  his  thought  the  frame 
Stood  jirompt  to  move,  the  azure  goddess  camo: 
Cliaris,  his  spouse,  a  grace  divinely  fair 
(With  purple  fillets  round  her  braided  hair), 
Obscrv(;d  her  entering;  her  soft  hands  she  })ress'd, 
And,  smiling,  thus  the  watery  fjucen  aildress'd: 

"What,  goddessi  this  unusual  fav(jr  draws? 
All  hail,  and  wtdconic!  whatsoe'er  tbo<MUS(r, 
Till  now  a  stranger,  in  a  hapjiy  hour 
Approach,  and  tastcf  the  dainties  of  the  bower. 


426  THE  ILIAD. 

High  on  a  throne,  with  stars  of  silver  graced, 
And  various  artifice,  the  qneen  she  placed; 
A  footstool  at  her  feet:  then  calling,  said, 
"Vulcan,  draw  near,  'tis  Thetis  asks  your  aid." 
"Thetis  (replied  the  god)  our  powers  may  claim, 
An  ever-dear,  an  ever-honor'd  name! 
When  my  proud  mother  hurl'd  me  from  the  sky 
(My  awkward  form,  it  seems,  displeased  her  eye), 
She,  and  Eurynome,  my  griefs  redress'd, 
And  soft  received  me  on  their  silver  breast. 
Even  then  these  arts  employ'd  my  infant  thought: 
Chains,  bracelets,  pendants,  all  their  toys,  I  wrought. 
Nine  years  kept  secret  in  the  dark  abode. 
Secure  I  lay,  conceal'd  from  man  and  god: 
Deep  in  a  cavern'd  rock  my  days  were  led; 
The  rushing  ocean  murmnr'd  o'er  my  head. 
Now,  since  her  presence  glads  our  mansion,  say, 
For  such  desert  what  service  can  I  pay? 
Vouchsafe,  0  Thetis!  at  our  board  to  share 
The  genial  rites,  and  hospitable  fare; 
While  I  the  labors  of  the  forge  forego. 
And  bid  the  roaring  bellows  cease  to  blow," 
Then  from  his  anvil  the  lame  artist  rose; 
Wide  with  distorted  legs  oblique  he  goes, 
And  stills  the  bellows,  and  (in  order  laid) 
Locks  in  their  chests  his  instruments  of  trade. 
Then  with  a  sponge  the  sooty  workman  dress'd 
His  brawny  arms  embrown'd,  and  hairy  breast. 
AVith  his  huge  sceptre  graced,  and  red  attire, 
Came  halting  forth  the  sovereign  of  the  fire: 
Tiie  monarch's  steps  two  female  forms  uphold, 
I  That  moved  and  breathed  in  animated  gold; 
I    To  whom  was  voice,  and  sense,  and  science  given 
_jPf  works  divine  (such  wonders  are  in  heaven!) 
On  these  supported,  with  unequal  gait. 
He  reach'd  the  throne  where  pensive  Thetis  sate; 
There  placed  beside  her  on  the  shining  frame. 
He  thus  address'd  the  silver-footed  dame: 

"Thee,  welcome,  goddess!  what  occasion  calls 
(So  long  a  stranger)  to  these  honor'd  walls? 
'Tis  thine,  fair  Thetis,  tiie  command  to  lay. 
And  Vulcan's  joy  and  duty  to  obey." 

To  whom  the  mournful  mother  thus  replies: 
(The  crystal  drops  stood  trembling  in  her  eyes): 
"0  Vulcan!  say,  was  ever  breast  divine 


THE  ILTAD.  427 

So  pierced  with  sorrows,  so  o'erwhelm'd  as  mine? 

Of  all  the  goddesses,  did  Jove  prepare 

For  Thetis  only  such  a  weight  of  care? 

I,  only  I,  of  all  the  watery  race, 

By  force  subjected  to  a  man's  embrace. 

Who,  sinking  now  with  age  and  sorrow,  pays 

The  mighty  tine  imposed  on  length  of  days. 

Sprung  from  my  bed,  a  godlike  hero  came. 

The  bravest  sure  that  ever  bore  the  name; 

Like  some  fair  plant  beneath  my  careful  hand 

He  grew,  he  tlonrish'd,  and  he  graced  the  land: 

To  Troy  I  sent  him!  but  his  native  shore 

Never,  ah  never,  shall  receive  him  more 

(Even  while  he  lives,  he  wastes  with  secret  woe); 

For  I,  a  goddess,  can  retard  the  blow! 

Robb'd  of  the  prize  the  Grecian  suffage  gave, 

The  king  of  nations  forced  his  royal  slave: 

For  this  he  grieved;  and,  till  the  Greeks  oppress'd 

Eequired  his  arm,  he  siorrow'd  unredressed. 

Large  gifts  they  promise,  and  their  elders  send; 

In  vain — he  arms  not,  but  permits  his  friend 

His  arms,  his  steeds,  his  forces  to  employ: 

He  marches,  combats,  almost  conquers  Troy: 

Then  slain  by  Phcnbus  (Hector  had  the  name) 

At  once  resigns  his  armor,  life,  and  fame. 

But  thou,  in  pity,  by  my  prayer  be  won: 

Grace  with  immortal  arms  this  short-lived  son, 

And  to  the  field  in  martial  pomp  restore. 

To  shino  with  glory,  till  lie  shines  no  more!" 

To  her  the  artist-god:  "Thy  griefs  resign, 
Secure,  what  Vulcan  can,  is  ever  thine. 
0  could  I  hide  him  from  tlio  Fates,  as  well, 
Or  with  these  hands  the  cruel  stroke  repel, 
As  I  shall  forge  most  envied  arms,  the  gaze 
Of  wondering  ages,  and  the  world's  amaze!" 

Thus  having  said,  the  father  of  tiie  fires 
To  the  blafik  labors  of  his  forge  retires. 
Soon  as  he  bade  them  blow,  the  bellows  turn'd 
Their  iron  mouths;  and  where  the  fiiruaeci  burn'd, 
llesounding  Ijreatliod :  at  once  the  blast  expires. 
And  twenty  forges  catch  at  once  the  fires; 
.Inst  as  the  god  directs,  now  loud,  now  low. 
They  raise  a  tempest,  or  they  gently  lilow; 
In  hissing  fiames  huge  silver  bars  are  roll'd, 
And  stubborn  brass,  and  tin,  and  solid  gold; 


428  THE  ILIAD. 

Before,  deep  fix'd,  the  eternal  anvils  stand; 

The  ponderous  hammer  loads  his  better  hand, 

Ilis  left  with  tongs  turns  the  vex'd  metal  round, 

And  thick,  strong  strol<es,  the  doubling  vaults  rebound. 

Then  first  he  form'd  tlie  immense  and  solid  shield; 
Rich  various  artifice  emblazed  the  field; 
Its  utmost  verge  a  threefold  circle  bound;* 
A  silver  chain  suspends  the  massy  round; 
Five  ample  plates  the  broad  expanse  compose, 
And  godlike  labors  on  the  surface  rose. 
Tliere  shone  the  image  of  the  master-mind: 
Tiiere  earth,  there  heaven,  there  ocean  he  design'd; 
The  unwearied  sun,  the  moon  completely  round; 
Tlie  starry  lights  that  heaven's  high  convex  crown'd; 
The  Pleiads,  Ilyads,  with  the  northern  team; 
And  great  Orion's  more  refulgent  beam: 
To  which,  around  the  axle  of  the  sky. 
The  Bear,  revolving,  points  his  golden  eye, 
Still  shines  exalted  on  the  ethereal  plain, 
Nor  bathes  his  blazing  forehead  in  the  main. 

Two  cities  radiant  on  the  shield  appear, 
The  image  one  of  peace,  and  one  of  war. 
Here  sacred  pomp  and  genial  feast  delight, 
And  solemn  dance  and  hymeneal  rite; 
Along  the  street  the  new-made  brides  are  led, 
With  torches  flaming,  to  the  nuptial  bed: 
The  youthful  dancers  in  a  circle  bound, 
To  the  soft  flute,  and  cithern's  silver  sound: 
Through  the  fair  streets  the  matrons  in  a  row 


♦Quintus  C^alaber,  lib.  v.,  has  attempted  to  rival  Homer  in  his 
description  of  the  shield  of  the  same  hero.  A  few  extracts  from 
Mr.  Dyce's  verses  (Select  Translations,  p.  104,  seq.)  may  here  be 
introduced. 

"  In  the  wide  circle  of  the  shield  was  seen 
Refulgent  images  of  various  forms. 
The  work  of  Vulcan,  who  had  there  described 
The  heaven,  the  ether,  and  the  earth  and  sea, 
The  winds,  the  cloud.s,  the  moon,  the  sun,  apart 
In  different  stations;  and  you  there  might  view 
The  stars  that  gem  the  still-revolving  heaven, 
And,  under  them,  the  vast  expanse  of  air. 
In  which,  with  outstretch'd  wings,  the  long-beak'd  birds 
Winnow'd  the  gale,  as  if  instinct  with  life. 
Around  the  shield  the  waves  of  ocean  flow'd. 
The  realms  of  Tethys,  which  unnumber'd  streams, 
In  aviure  mazes  rolling  o'er  the  earth, 
Seem'd  to  augment," 


THE  ILIAD.  439 

Stand  in  their  porches,  and  enjoy  the  show.  ^ 

There  in  the  forum  swarm  a  numerous  train; 
The  subject  of  debate,  a  townsman  slain: 
One  pleads  the  fine  discharged,  which  one  denied, 
And  bade  the  public  and  the  laws  decide: 
The  witness  is  produced  on  either  hand: 
For  this,  or  that,  the  partial  people  stand: 
The  appointed  heralds  still  the  noisy  bands, 
And  form  a  ring,  with  sceptres  in  their  handss 
On  seats  of  stone,  within  the  sacred  place,* 
The  reverend  elders  nodded  o'er  the  case; 
Alternate,  each  the  attesting  sceptre  took. 
And  rising  solemn,  each  his  sentence  spoke; 
Two  golden  talents  lay  amidst,  in  sight. 
The  prize  of  him  who  best  adjudged  the  right. 

Another  part  (a  prospect  differing  far)f 
Glow'd  with  refulgent  arms,  and  horrid  war. 
Two  mighty  hosts  a  leaguer'd  town  embrace, 
And  one  would  pillage,  one  would  burn  the  place. 
Meantime  the  townsmen,  arm'd  with  silent  care, 
A  secret  ambush  on  the  foe  prepare; 
Their  wives,  their  children,  and  the  watchful  band 
Of  trembling  parents,  on  the  turrets  stand. 
They  march;  by  Pallas  and  by  Mars  made  bold: 
Gold  were  the  gods,  their  radiant  garments  gold, 
And  gold  their  armor:  these  the  squadron  led, 


*  On  seats  of  stone.  "  Several  of  the  old  nortliern  Sagas  repre- 
sent the  old  men  assembled  for  tlie  imrpo.se  of  judging  as  sitting 
on  great  stones,  in  a  circle  called  the  Urtlieilsring  or  gericlits- 
ring." — (Jrote,  ii.  p.  100,  note.  On  the  independence  of  the 
judicial  office  in  the  heroic  times,  see  Thirlwall's  (jireece,  vol.  i. 
p.  166. 
f  Another  part,  etc. 

"  And  here 
Were  horrid  wars  depicted;  grindy  i)ale 
Were  heroes  lying  with  their  slaiighlcr'd  steeds 
Upon  the  ground  incarnadin'd  with  blood. 
Stern  stalked  IJellona,  smear'd  with  recking  gore, 
Through  charging  ranks;  beside  her  Kout  was  seen, 
And  'j'error.   Discord  to  thi!  fatal  strife 
Inciting  Mien,  and  Kuries  hreatliiiig  llaines: 
Nor  absent  were  tin;  i-'atcs,  and  th<-  tall  sha))0 
Of  ghastly  Death,  round  whom  did  italths  throng, 
Tlieir  limbs  distilling  plenteous  blood  and  sweat; 
And  (Jorgons,  whose  long  locks  wen;  twisting  snakes, 
'i'hat  shot  their  forky  tf)ngues  incessant  forth. 
Such  were  the  horrors  of  dire  war." 

—  Dyce's  Calaber. 


4B0  •  THE  ILIAD. 

August,  divine,  superior  by  the  bead! 

A  place  for  amljusli  fit  tbey  found,  and  stood, 

Cover'd  witb  sbields,  beside  a  silver  flood. 

Two  spies  at  distance  lurk,  and  watchful  seem 

If  sheep  or  oxen  seek  the  winding  stream. 

Soon  the  white  flocks  proceeded  o'er  the  plains, 

And  steers  slow-moving,  and  two  sbepberd  swains; 

Behind  them  piping  on  their  reeds  they  go, 

Nor  fear  an  ambnsb,  nor  suspect  a  foe. 

In  arms  the  glittering  squadron  rising  round 

Rush  sudden;  bills  of  slaughter  heap  the  ground; 

Whole  flocks  and  herds  lie  bleeding  on  tbe  plains. 

And,  all  amidst  them,  dead,  tbe  sbepberd  swains! 

Tbe  bellowing  oxen  tbe  besiegers  bear; 

They  rise,  take  horse,  approach,  and  meet  tbe  war, 

Tbey  fight,  they  fall,  beside  tbe  silver  flood; 

Tbe  waving  silver  seem'd  to  blusb  with  blood. 

There  Tumult,  tbere  Contention  stood  confess'd; 

One  rear'd  a  dagger  at  a  captive's  breast; 

One  beld  a  living  foe,  that  fresbly  bled 

Witb  new-made  wounds;  another  dragg'd  a  dead; 

Now  here,  now  tbere,  the  carcases  tbey  tore: 

Fate  stalk'd  amidst  them,  grim  witb  human  gore. 

And  tbe  whole  war  came  out,  and  met  tbe  eye; 

And  each  bold  figure  seem'd  to  live  or  die. 

A  field  deep  furrow'd  next  the  god  design'd,* 
The  third  time  labor'd  by  the  sweating  hind; 
The  shining  shares  full  many  ploughmen  guide, 
And  turn  their  crooked  yokes  on  every  side. 
Still  as  at  either  end  tbey  wheel  around, 
The  master  meets  them  with  his  goblet  crown'd; 
The  hearty  draught  rev/ards,  renews  their  toil. 
Then  back  tbe  turning  ploughshares  cleave  the  soil; 

*  A  field  deep  furrowed. 

"  Here  was  a  corn  field;  reapers  in  a  row, 
Each  with  a  sharp-tooth'd  siclile  in  his  baud, 
Work'd  busily,  and,  as  the  harvest  fell. 
Others  were  ready  still  to  bind  the  sheaves: 
Yoked  to  a  wain  that  bore  the  corn  away 
The  steers  were  moving;  sturdy  bullocks  here 
The  plough  were  drawing,  and  the  furrow'd  glebe 
Was  black  behind  them,  while  with  goading  wand 
The  active  youths  inipell'd  them.     Here  a  feast 
Was  graved;  to  the  shrill  pipe  and  ringing  lyre 
A  band  of  blooming  virgins  led  the  dance, 
As  if  endued  with  life." 

— Dyce's  Calaber. 


TUE  ILIAD.  431 

Behind,  the  rising  earth  in  ridges  rolPd; 

And  sable  look'd,  though  form'd  of  molten  gold. 

Another  field  rose  high  with  waving  grain; 
With  bended  sickles  stand  the  reaper  train : 
Here  stretched  in  ranks  the  levell'd  swarths  are  fonnd, 
Sheaves  heap'd  on  sheaves  here  thicken  up  the  ground. 
With  sweeping  stroke  the  mowers  strow  the  lands; 
The  gatherers  follow,  and  collect  in  bands; 
And  last  the  children,  in  whose  arms  are  borne 
(Too  short  to  gripe  them)  the  brown  sheaves  of  corn. 
The  rustic  monarch  of  the  field  descries, 
With  silent  glee,  the  heaps  around  him  rise. 
A  ready  banquet  on  the  turf  is  laid, 
Beneath  an  ample  oak's  expanded  shade. 
The  victim  ox  the  sturdy  youth  prepare; 
The  reaper's  due  repast,  the  woman's  care. 

Next,  ripe  in  yellow  gold,  a  vineyard  shines, 
Bent  with  the  ponderous  harvest  of  its  vines; 
A  deeper  dye  the  dangling  clusters  show. 
And  curl'd  on  silver  projis,  in  order  glow: 
A  darker  metal  mix'd  intrench'd  the  place; 
And  pales  of  glittering  tin  the  inclosure  grace. 
To  this,  one  pathway  gently  winding  leads. 
Where  march  a  train  with  baskets  on  their  heads 
(Fair  maiils  and  Ijlooming  youths),  that  smiling  bear 
The  purple  product  of  the  autumnal  year. 
To  these  a  youth  awakes  the  warbling  strings, 
Whose  tender  lay  the  fate  of  Linus  sings; 
In  measured  dance  behind  him  move  the  train, 
Tune  soft  the  voice,  and  answer  to  the  strain. 

Here  herds  of  oxen  march,  erect  and  bold, 
Bear  high  their  horns,  and  seem  to  low  m  gold. 
And  speed  to  meadows  on  whose  sounding  shores 
A  rajiid  torrent  through  the  rushes  roars: 
Four  golden  liurdsinen  as  their  guardians  stand, 
And  nine  sour  dogs  complete  the  rustic  band. 
Two  lions  rushing  from  the  wood  a])pear'd; 
And  seized  a  bull,  tho  master  of  the  herd: 
]Ie  roar'd :  in  vain  tlie  dogs,  tiie  men  withstood; 
They  tore  his  flesh,  and  drank  his  sable  blood. 
Tho  dogs  (oft  cheer'd  in  vain)  desert  the  prey, 
JJread  tlio  grim  terrors,  and  at  distance  bay. 

Next  this,  tho  oyo  the  art  <»f  \'ulcan  leads 
Deep  through  fair  forests,  ami  a  length  of  meads. 
And  stalls,  and  folds,  and  seatter'd  coLs  between; 


432  THE  ILIAD. 

And  fleecy  flocks,  that  whiten  all  the  scene. 

A  figured  dance  succeeds;  such  once  was  seen 
In  lofty  Gnossus  for  the  Cretan  queen, 
Fonn'd  by  Dredalean  art;  a  comely  band 
Of  youths  and  maidens,  hounding  hand  in  hand. 
The  maids  in  soft  siniars  of  linen  dress'd; 
The  youths  all  graceful  in  the  glossy  vest: 
Of  those  tlie  locks  with  flowery  wreath  inroll'd; 
Of  these  the  sides  adorn'd  with  swords  of  gold, 
That  glittering  gay,  from  silver  belts  depend. 
Now  all  at  once  they  rise,  at  once  descend. 
With  well-taught  feet:  now  shape  in  oblique  ways, 
Confusedly  regular,  the  moving  maze: 
Now  forth  at  once,  too  swift  for  sight,  they  spring, 
And  undistinguish'd  blend  the  flying  ring. 
So  whirls  a  wheel,  in  giddy  circle  toss'd, 
And,  rapid  as  it  runs,  the  single  spokes  are  lost. 
The  gazing  multitudes  admire  around: 
Two  active  tumblers  in  the  centre  bound; 
Now  high,  noAV  low,  their  pliant  limbs  they  bend: 
And  general  songs  the  sprightly  revel  end. 

Thus  the  broad  shield  complete  the  artist  crown'd 
With  his  last  hand,  and  pour'd  the  ocean  round: 
In  living  silver  seem'd  thewaves  to  roll, 
And  beat  the  buckler's  verge,  and  bound  the  whole. 

This  done,  whate'er  a  warrior's  use  requires 
He  forged;  the  cuirass  that  outshone  the  fires, 
The  greaves  of  ductile  tin,  the  helm  impress'd 
With  various  scul^jture,  and  the  golden  crest. 
At  Thetis'  feet  the  finished  labor  lay: 
She,  as  a  falcon  cuts  the  aerial  way, 
Swift  from  Olympus'  snowy  summit  flies, 
And  bears  the  blazing  present  through  the  skies.* 

*  Coleridge  (Greek  Classic  Poets,  p.  183,  seq.)  lias  diligently 
compared  this  with  the  description  of  the  shield  of  Hercules  by 
Hesiod.  He  remarks  that,  "  with  two  or  three  exceptions,  the 
imagery  differs  in  little  more  than  the  names  and  arrangements; 
and  the  difference  of  arrangement  in  the  shield  of  Hercules  is 
altogether  for  the  worse.  The  natural  consecution  of  the  Homeric 
images  needs  no  exposition;  it  constitutes  in  itself  one  of  the 
beauties  of  the  work.  The  Hef^iodic  images  are  huddled  together 
without  connection  or  congruity;  Mars  and  Pallas  are  awkwardly 
introduced  among  the  Centaurs  and  Lapithae; — but  the  gap  is 
wide  indeed  between  them  and  Apollo  with  the  Muses,  waking 
the  echoes  of  Olympus  to  celestial  harmonies;  whence,  however, 
we  are  hurried  back  to  Perseus,  the  Gorgons,  and  other  images 


THE  ILIAD.  433 

of  war,  over  an  arm  of  the  sea,  iu  wbicli  the  sporting  dolphins,  the 
fugitive  fishes,  and  the  fisherman  on  the  shore  with  his  casting  net, 
are  minutely  represented.  As  to  the  Hesiodic  images  themselves, 
the  leading  remark  is,  that  they  catch  at  beauty  by  ornament,  and 
at  sublimity  by  exaggeration;  and  upon  the  untenable  supposition 
of  the  genuineness  of  this  poem,  there  is  this  curious  peculiarity, 
that,  in  the  description  of  scenes  of  rustic  peace,  the  superiority 
of  Homer  is  decisive — while  in  those  of  war  and  tumult  it  may  be 
thought,  perhaps,  that  the  Hesiodic  poet  has  more  than  once  the 
advantage." 


434  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  XIX. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE   RECONCILIATIOK    OF   ACHILLES   AND  AGAMEMXON. 

Thetis  brings  to  her  son  the  armor  made  by  Vulcan.  She  pre- 
serves the  body  of  his  friend  from  corruption,  and  commands 
him  to  assemble  the  army,  to  declare  his  resentment  at  an 
end.  Agamemnon  and  Achilles  are  solemnly  reconciled;  the 
speeches,  presents,  and  ceremonies  on  that  occasion.  Achilles 
is  with  great  ditiiculty  persuaded  to  refrain  from  the  battle 
till  the  troops  have  refreshed  themselves  by  the  advice  of 
Ulysses.  The  presents  are  conveyed  to  the  tent  of  Achilles, 
■where  BriseTs  laments  over  the  body  of  Patroclus.  The  hero 
obstinately  refuses  all  repast,  and  gives  himself  up  to  lamen- 
tations for  his  friend.  Minerva  descends  to  strengthen  him, 
by  the  order  of  Jupiter.  He  arms  for  the  fight;  his  appear- 
ance described.  He  addresses  himself  to  his  horses,  and  re- 
proaches them  with  the  death  of  Patroclus.  One  of  them  is 
miraculouslj'  endued  with  voice,  and  inspired  to  prophesy  his 
fate;  but  the  hero,  not  astonished  by  that  prodigy,  rushes 
with  fury  to  the  combat. 

The  thirtieth  day.     The  scene  is  on  the  seashore. 

Soon  as  murora  heaved  her  Orient  head 
Above  the  waves,  that  bhish'd  with  early  red 
(With  new-born  day  to  gladden  mortal  sight, 
And  gild  the  courts  of  heaven  with  sacred  light), 
The  immortal  arms  the  goddess-mother  bears 
Swift  to  her  son :  her  son  she  finds  in  tears 
Stretch'd  o'er  Patroclus'  corse;  while  all  the  rest 
Their  sovereign's  sorrows  in  their  own  express'd. 
A  ray  divine  her  heavenly  presence  shed, 
And  thus,  his  hand  soft  touching,  Thetis  said: 

"Suppress,  my  son,  this  rage  of  grief,  and  know 
It  was  not  man,  but  heaven,  that  gave  the  blow. 
Behold  what  arms  by  Vulcan  are  bestow'd, 
Arms  worthy  thee,  or  fit  to  grace  a  god." 

Then  drops  the  radiant  burden  on  the  ground; 
Clang  the  strong  arms,  and  ring  the  shores  around; 
Back  shrink  the  Myrmidons  with  dread  surprise, 


TEE  ILIAD.  435 

And  from  the  broad  effulgence  turn  their  eyes. 
Unmoved  the  hero  kindles  at  the  show, 
And  feels  with  rage  divine  his  bosom  glow; 
From  his  fierce  eyeballs  living  flames  expire, 
And  flash  incessant  like  a  stream  of  fire: 
He  turns  the  radiant  gift,  and  feeds  his  mind 
On  all  the  immortal  artist  had  design'd. 

'"Goddess!  (he  cried),  these  glorious  arms,  that  shine 
With  matchless  art,  confess  tiie  hand  divine. 
Now  to  the  bloody  battle  let  me  bend: 
Bat  ah  I  the  relics  of  my  slaughter'd  friend! 
In  those  wide  wounds  through  which  his  spirit  fled, 
Shall  flies,  and  worms  obscene,  pollute  the  dead?" 

"That  unavailing  care  be  laid  aside 
(The  azure  goddess  to  her  son  replied), 
Whole  years  untouch'd,  uninjured  shall  remain, 
Fresh  as  in  life,  the  carcase  of  the  slain. 
But  go,  Achilles,  as  affairs  require. 
Before  the  Grecian  peers  renounce  thine  ire: 
Then  uncontroll'd  in  boundless  war  engage, 
And  heaven  with  strength  supply  the  miglity  rage!" 

Then  in  the  nostrils  of  the  slain  she  pour'd 
Nectareous  drops,  and  rich  ambrosia  shower'd 
O'er  all  the  corse.     The  flies  forbid  their  prey, 
Untouch'd  it  rests,  and  sacred  from  decay. 
Achilles  to  the  strand  obedient  went: 
The  shores  resounded  with  the  voice  he  sent. 
The  heroes  heard,  and  all  the  naval  train 
That  tend  the  ships,  or  guide  them  o'er  the  main, 
Alarm'd,  transported,  at  the  well-known  sound, 
Frequent  and  full,  the  great  assembly  crown'd; 
Studious  to  see  the  terror  of  the  plain. 
Long  lost  to  battle,  shine  in  arms  again. 
Tydides  and  Clysses  first  appear, 
Lame  with  their  wounds,  and  leaning  on  the  spear; 
These  on  the  sacred  seats  of  council  j)laced, 
The  king  of  men,  Atrides,  came  tlie  last: 
ilo  too  sore  woujided  by  Agenor's  son. 
Aciiilles  (rising  in  the  midst)  begun: 

"O  monarch  I  Ijctter  far  had  been  the  fate 
Of  tlieo,  of  mo,  of  all  the  (ireci.in  state, 
If  fere  the  day  when  by  mad  passion  sway'd, 
liash  we  oontendod  for  the  blark-eyeil  nuiid) 
Preventing  Diaii  had  dospat.ohM  her  dart, 
And  shot  the  shining  mischief  to  the  heart! 


43(5  THE  ILIAD. 

Then  many  a  hero  had  not  press'd  the  shore, 

Nor  Troy's  glad  tields  been  fatten'd  with  our  gore. 

Long,  long  shall  Greece  the  woes  we  caused  bewail, 

And  sad  posterity  repeat  the  tale. 

But  this,  no  more  the  subject  of  debate. 

Is  past,  forgotten,  and  resign'd  to  fate. 

Why  should,  alas,  a  mortal  man,  as  I, 

Burn  with  a  fury  that  can  never  die? 

Here  then  my  anger  ends:  let  war  succeed. 

And  even  as  Greece  has  bled,  let  Ilion  bleed. 

Now  call  the  hosts,  and  try  if  in  our  sight 

Troy  yet  shall  dare  to  camp  a  second  night! 

I  deem,  their  mightiest,  when  this  arm  he  knows, 

Shall  'scape  with  transport,  and  with  joy  repose." 

He  said:  his  finish'd  wrath  with  loud  acclaim 
The  Greeks  accept,  and  shout  Pelides'  name. 
Wlien  thus,  not  rising  from  his  lofty  throne, 
In  state  unmoved,  the  king  of  men  begun: 

"Hear  me,  you  sons  of  Greece!  with  silence  hear! 
And  grant  your  monarch  an  impartial  ear; 
Awhile  your  load,  untimely  joy  suspend. 
And  let  your  rash,  injurious  clamors  end: 
Unruly  murmurs,  or  ill-timed  applause. 
Wrong  the  best  speaker,  and  the  justest  cause. 
Nor  charge  on  me,  ye  Greeks,  the  dire  debate:   • 
Know,  angry  Jove,  and  all-compelling  Fate, 
With  fell  Erinnys,  urged  my  wrath  that  day 
When  from  Achilles'  arms  I  forced  the  prey. 
AVhat  then  could  I  against  the  will  of  heaven? 
Not  by  mvself,  but  vengeful  Ate  driven; 
She,  Jove's  dread  daughter,  fated  to  infest 
The  race  of  mortals,  euter'd  in  my  breast. 
Not  on  the  ground  that  haughty  fury  treads. 
But  prints  her  lofty  footsteps  on  the  heads 
Of  mighty  men;  inflicting  as  she  goes 
Long-festering  wounds,  inextricable  woes! 
Of  old,  she  stalk'd  amid  the  bright  abodes: 
And  Jove  himself,  the  sire  of  men  and  gods. 
The  world's  great  ruler,  felt  her  venom'd  dart; 
Deceived  by  Juno's  wiles,  and  female  art: 
For  when  Alcmena's  nine  long  months  were  run. 
And  Jove  expected  his  immortal  son, 
To  gods  and  goddesses  the  unruly  joy 
He  show'd,  and  vaunted  of  his  mat(;hless  boy: 
'From  us  (he  said)  this  day  an  infant  springs. 


THE  ILIAD.  437 

Fated  t©  rule,  and  born  a  kkig  of  kings.' 
Saturnia  ask'd  an  oath,  to  vouch  the  truth, 
And  fix  dominion  on  tlie  favor'd  youth. 
The  Thunderer,  unsuspicious  of  the  fraud, 
Pronounced  those  solemn  words  that  bind  a  god. 
The  joyful  goddess,  from  Olympus'  height, 
Swift  to  Achaiau  Argos,  bent  her  flight: 
Scarce  seven  moons  gone,  lay  Sthenelus'  wife; 
She  push'd  her  lingering  infant  into  life: 
Her  charms  Alcmeua's  coming  labors  stay. 
And  stop  the  babe,  just  issuing  to  the  day. 
Tlien  bids  Saturnius  bear  his  oath  in  mind; 
'A  youth  (said  she)  of  Jove's  immortal  kind 
Is  this  day  born;  from  Sthenelns  he  springs, 
And  claims  thy  promise  to  be  king  of  kings.' 
Grief  seized  the  Thunderer,  by  his  oath  engaged; 
Stung  to  the  soul,  he  sorrow'd,  and  he  raged. 
From  his  ambrosial  head,  where  perch'd  she  sate, 
He  snatch'd  the  fiiry-gaddess  of  debate. 
The  dread,  the  irrevocable  oath  he  swore. 
The  immortal  seats  should  ne'er  behold  her  more; 
And  whirl'd  her  headlong  down,  for  ever  driven 
From  bright  Olympus  and  the  starry  heaven: 
Thence  on  the  Jietlier  world  the  fury  fell; 
Ordain'd  with  man's  contentions  race  to  dwell. 
Full  oft  the  god  his  son's  hard  toils  bemoan'd 
Cursed  the  dire  fury,  and  in  secret  groan'd.* 
Even  thus,  like  Jove  himself,  was  I  misled. 
While  raging  Hector  hca])'d  our  camps  with  dead. 
What  can  the  errors  of  my  rage  atone? 
My  martial  troops,  my  treasures  are  thy  own: 
'I'his  instant  from  the  navy  shall  be  sent 
Whatc'er  Ulysses  })romis('d  at  thy  tent: 
Hut  thou!  appeased,  ])ropitious  to  our  prayer, 

*  "  Tliis  lefjcnd  is  one  of  tlie  most  prefrnant  and  clinracKTistic 
in  tlie  firecian  Mytliolofry.  It  explains,  acc-uriiinf^  to  tlie  relif,'-ioiis 
idt-as  familiar  to  tire  old  e[)ic  poets,  Ixitli  the  disiinf^iiisliinj; 
attributes  and  the  endless  toil  and  endurance  of  Heracles,  the 
most  renowned  siihjufrator  of  all  the  semi-divine  personajjes  wor- 
shijied  hy  the  liellrnes — a  heinfj  of  irresistible  force,  and 
esjteciallv  beloved  by  Zeus,  yet  condemned  constantly  to  labor  for 
others  and  to  obey  the  commands  of  a  worthless  and  cowardly 
persecutor.  liis  r<-«ompfnsi'  his  reserved  to  the  close  of  his 
career,  when  liis  atllirtin/,'-  trials  are  brou^'ht  to  a  close;  he  is  then 
admitted  to  the  K"dhead,  and  receives  in  marriage  Hebe." — 
•  irote,  vol.  i.  p.  12^. 


438  THE  ILIAD. 

Resume  thy  arms,  and  shine  again  in  war." 
"0  king  of  nations!  whose  superior  sway 
(Returns  Achilles)  all  our  hosts  obey! 
To  keep  or  send  the  presents,  be  thy  care; 
To  us,  'tis  equal:  all  we  ask  is  war. 
AVhile  vet  we  talk,  or  but  an  instant  shun 
The  light,  our  glorious  work  remains  undone. 
Let  every  Greek,  who  sees  my  spear  confound 
The  Trojan  ranks,  and  deal  destruction  round, 
With  emulation,  what  I  act  survey. 
And  learn  from  thence  the  business  of  the  day." 

The  son  of  Peleus  thus;  and  thus  replies 
The  great  in  councils,  Ithacus  the  wise; 
"Though,  godlike,  thou  art  by  no  toils  oppress'd, 
At  least  our  armies  claim  repast  and  rest: 
Long  and  laborious  must  the  combat  be, 
When  by  the  gods  inspired,  and  led  by  thee. 
Strength  is  derived  from  sj^irits  and  from  blood, 
And  those  augment  by  generous  wine  and  food: 
What  boastful  son  of  war,  without  that  stay. 
Can  last  a  hero  through  a  single  day? 
Courage  may  prompt;  but,  ebbing  out  his  strength, 
Mere  unsupported  man  must  yield  at  length; 
Shrunk  with  dry  famine,  and  with  toils  declined, 
The  drooping  body  will  desert  the  mind: 
But  built  anev;  with  strength-conferring  fare, 
With  limbs  and  soul  untamed,  he  tires  a  war. 
Dismiss  the  people,  then,  and  give  command, 
With  strong  repast  to  hearten  every  band; 
But  let  the  presents  to  Achilles  made, 
Li  full  assembly  of  all  Greece  be  laid. 
The  king  of  men  shall  rise  in  public  sight. 
And  solemn  swear  (observant  of  the  rite) 
That,  spotless,  as  she  came,  the  maid  removes, 
Pure  from  his  arms,  and  guiltless  of  his  loves. 
That  done,  a  sumptuous  banquet  shall  be  made, 
And  the  full  price  of  injured  honor  paid. 
Stretch  not  henceforth,  0  prince!  thy  sovereign  might 
Beyond  the  bounds  of  reason  and  of  right; 
'Tis  the  chief  praise  that  e'er  to  kings  belong'd. 
To  right  with  justice  whom  with  power  they  wrong'd." 

To  him  the  monarch:  "Just  is  thy  decree, 
Thy  words  give  joy,  and  wisdom  breathes  in  thee. 
Each  due  atonement  gladly  I  prepare; 
And  heaven  regard  me  as  I  justly  swear! 


THE  ILIAD.  439 

Here  then  awhile  let  Greece  assembled  stay, 
Nor  great  xVchilles  grudge  this  sliort  delay. 
Till  from  the  Ileet  our  presents  be  convey'd, 
And  Jove  attesting,  the  tirui  compact  made. 
A  train  of  noble  youths  the  charge  shall  bear; 
These  to  select,  Ulysses,  be  thy  care: 
Jn  order  rank'd  let  all  our  gifts  appear, 
And  the  fair  train  of  captives  close  the  rear; 
Talthybius  shall  the  victim  boar  convey, 
Sacred  to  Jove,  and  yon  bright  orb  of  day." 

"For  this  (the  stern  JEacides  replies)  A  '     --L 

Some  less  imi)ortant  season  may  suffice, 
AVhen  the  stern  fury  of  the  war  is  o'er. 
And  wrath,  extinguish'd,  burns  my  breast  no  more. 
By  Hector  slain,  their  faces  to  the  aky, 
All  grim  with  gapiug  wounds,  our  heroes  lie: 
Those  call  to  warl  and  might  my  voice  incite. 
Now,  now,  this  instant,  shall  commence  the  fight: 
Then,  when  the  day's  complete,  let  generous  bowls, 
And  copious  banquets,  glad  your  weary  souls. 
Let  not  my  palate  know  the  taste  of  food. 
Till  my  insatiate  rage  be  cloy'd  with  blood: 
Pale  lies  my  friend,  with  wounds  disfigured  o'er, 
And  his  cold  feet  are  pointed  to  the  door. 
Revenge  is  all  my  soul!  uo  meaner  care. 
Interest,  or  thought,  has  room  to  harbor  there; 
Destruction  be  my  feast,  and  mortal  wounds, 
And  scenes  of  blood,  and  agonizing  sounds." 

"0  lirst  of  Greeks  (Ulysses  thus  rejoin'd), 
The  b(!st  and  bravest  of  the  warrior-kind! 
Thy  praise  it  is  in  dreadful  camps  to  shine, 
]iut  old  experience  and  calm  wisdom  mine. 
Then  hoar  my  counsel,  and  to  reason  yield, 
The  bravest  soon,  are  satiate  of  the  field; 
Tiiougli  vast  the  heaps  that  strow  the  crimson  plain, 
The  bloody  harvest  brings  but  little  gain: 
The  scale  of  c<;Mf|uest  ever  wavering  lies. 
Great  Jovo  but  turns  it,  and  the  victor  dies! 
The  great,  the  bold,  by  thousands  daily  fall, 
And  (Midless  were  the  grief,  to  weep  for  all. 
Eternal  sorrows  what  avails  to  shed?' 
(ireece  honors  not  with  solemn  fasts  the  dead: 
Knougli,  when  dciatli  licjmands  the  bravo,  to  ])ay 
The  tril)Ute  of  a  mulanclioly  day. 
One  chief  with  patience  to  the  grave  resigii'd, 


440  THE  ILIAD. 

Our  care  devolves  on  others  left  behind. 

Let  generous  food  supplies  of  strength  produce, 

Let  rising  spirits  flow  from  sprightly  juice, 

Let  their  warm  heads  with  scenes  of  battle  glow. 

And  pour  new  furies  on  the  feebler  foe. 

Yet  a  short  interval,  and  none  shall  dare 

Expect  a  summons  to  the  war; 

Who  waits  for  that,  the  dire  effects  shall  find, 

If  trembling  in  the  ships  he  lags  behind. 

Embodied,  to  the  battle  let  us  bend. 

And  all  at  once  on  haughty  Troy  descend." 

And  now  the  delegates  Ulysses  sent, 
To  bear  the  presents  from  the  royal  tent: 
The  sons  of  Nestor,  Phyleus'  valiant  heir, 
Thias  and  Merion,  thunderbolts  of  war, 
With  Lycomedes  of  Creiontian  strain. 
And  Melauippus,  form'd  the  chosen  train. 
Swift  as  the  word  was  given,  the  youths  obey'd: 
Twice  ten  bright  vases  in  the  midst  they  laid; 
A  row  of  six  fair  tripods  then  succeeds; 
And  twice  the  number  of  high-bounding  steeds: 
Seven  captives  next  a  lovely  line  compose; 
The  eighth  BriseTs,  like  the  blooming  rose, 
Closed  the  bright  band:  great  Ithacus,  before, 
First  of  the  train,  the  golden  talents  bore: 
The  rest  in  public  view  the  chiefs  dispose, 
A  splendid  scene!  then  Agamemnon  rose: 
The  boar  Talthybius  held:  the  Grecian  lord 
Drew  the  broad  cutlass  sheath'd  beside  his  sword: 
The  stubborn  bristles  from  the  victim's  brow 
He  crops,  and  ofPering  meditates  his  vow. 
His  hands  uplifted  to  the  attesting  skies, 
On  heaven's  broad  marble  roof  were  fixed  his  eyes. 
The  solemn  words  a  deep  attention  draw, 
And  Greece  around  sat  thrilTd  with  sacred  awe. 

"Witness  thou  first!  thou  greatest  power  above. 
All-good,  all-wise,  and  all-surveying  Jove! 
And  mother-earth,  and  heaven's  revolving  light. 
And  ye,  fell  furies  of  the  realms  of  night, 
Who  rule  the  dead,  and  liorrid  woes  prepare 
For  perjured  kings,  and  all  who  falsely  swear! 
The  black-eyed  maid  inviolate  removes. 
Pure  and  unconscious  of  my  manly  loves. 
If  this  be  false,  heaven  all  its  vengeance  shed. 
And  levell'd  thunder  strike  my  guilty  head!" 


TEE  ILIAD.  441 

With  that,  his  weapon  deep  inflicts  the  wound; 
The  bleeding  savage  tumbles  to  the  ground; 
The  sacred  herald  rolls  the  victim  slain 
(A  feast  for  fish)  into  the  foaming  main. 

Then  thus  Achilles:  "Hear,  ye  Greeks!  and  know 
Whate'er  we  feel,  'tis  Jove  inflicts  the  woe; 
Not  else  Atrides  could  our  rage  inflame, 
Nor  from  my  arms,  unwilling,  force  the  dame. 
'Twas  Jove's  high  will  alone,  o'erruling  all, 
That  doom'd  our  strife,  and  doom'd  the  Greeks  to  fall. 
Go  then,  ye  chiefs!  indulge  the  genial  rite; 
Achilles  waits  ye,  and  expects  the  fight." 

The  speedy  council  at  his  word  adjourn'd  : 
To  their  black  vessels  all  the  Greeks  return'd. 
Achilles  sought  his  tent.     His  train  before 
March'd  onward,  bending  with  the  gifts  they  bore. 
Those  in  tlie  tents  the  squires  industrious  spread: 
The  foaming  coursers  to  the  stalls  they  led; 
To  their  new  seats  the  female  captives  move 
Briseis,  radiant  as  the  queen  of  love. 
Slow  as  she  pass'd,  beheld  with  sad  survey 
Where,  gash'd  with  cruel  wounds,  Patroclus  lay. 
Prone  on  the  body  fell  the  heavenly  fair. 
Beat  her  sad  breast,  and  tore  her  golden  hair; 
All  beautiful  in  grief,  her  humid  eyes 
Shining  with  tears  she  lifts,  and  thus  she  cries: 

"Ah,  youth  forever  dear,  forever  kind. 
Once  tender  friend  of  my  distracted  mind! 
I  left  thee  fresh  in  life,  in  beauty  gay; 
Now  find  thee  cohl,  iiuinimated  clay! 
What  woes  my  wretched  race  of  life  attend! 
Sorrows  on  sorrows,  never  doom'd  to  end! 
The  first  loved  consort  of  my  virgin  bed 
Before  these  eyes  in  fatal  battle  bled: 
My  three  brave  brothers  in  one  mournful  day 
All  trod  the  dark,  irremcaljle  way; 
Thy  friemily  hand  ui)roar'(l  mc  from  tlie  ]ilain, 
And  dri(!(l  my  sorrows  for  a  husband  slain; 
Achillea'  care  y<ju  promised  I  should  prove, 
'J'he  first,  the  dearest  jiartner  of  his  hive; 
That  rites  divine  slioiild  ratify  the  band. 
And  make  nie  empress  in  his  native  land. 
Accept  tiiese  grateful  tears!  for  tlice  they  flow, 
For  tiieo,  that  ever  felt  another's  woe!" 


442  THE  ILIAD. 

Her  sister  captives  echoed  groan  for  groan. 
Nor  monrnM  Patroclns'  fortunes,  but  their  own. 
The  leaders  press'd  the  chief  on  every  side; 
Unmoved  he  heard  them,  and  with  sighs  denied. 

"If  yet  Achilles  have  a  friend,  whose  care 
Is  bent  to  please  him,  this  request  forbear; 
Till  yonder  sun  descend,  ah,  let  me  pay 
To  grief  and  anguish  one  abstemious  day." 

He  spoke,  and  from  the  warriors  turn'd  his  face; 
Yet  still  the  brother-kings  of  Atreus'  race, 
Nestor,  Idomeneus,  Ulysses  sage, 
And  Phoenix,  strive  to  calm  his  grief  and  rage: 
His  rage  they  calm  not,  nor  his  grief  control; 
He  groans,  he  raves,  he  sorrows  from  his  soul. 

"Thou  too,  Patroclns!  (thus  his  heart  he  vents) 
Once  spread  the  inviting  banquet  in  our  tents: 
Thy  sweet  society,  thy  winning  care, 
Once  stay'd  Achilles,  rushing  to  the  war. 
But  now,  alas!  to  death's  cold  arms  resign'd, 
What  banquet  but  revenge  can  glad  my  mind? 
What  greater  sorrow  could  afflict  my  breast, 
What  more  if  hoary  Peleus  were  deceased? 
Who  now,  perhaps,  in  Phthia  dreads  to  hear 
His  son's  sad  fate,  and  drops  a  tender  tear. 
What  more,  should  Neoptolemus  the  brave, 
My  only  offspring,  sink  into  the  grave? 
If  yet  that  offspring  lives  (I  distant  far, 
Of  all  neglectful,  wage  a  hateful  war). 
I  could  not  this,  this  cruel  stroke  attend ; 
Fate  claim'd  Achilles,  but  might  spare  his  friend. 
I  hoped  Patroclns  )night  survive,  to  rear 
My  tender  orphan  with  a  parent's  care, 
From  Scyros'  isle  conduct  him  o'er  the  main, 
And  glad  his  eyes  with  his  paternal  reign, 
The  lofty  palace,  and  the  large  domain. 
For  Peleus  breathes  no  more  the  vital  air; 
Or  drags  a  wretched  life  of  age  and  care, 
But  till  the  news  of  my  sad  fate  invades 
His  hastening  soul,  and  sinks  him  to  the  shades." 

Sighing  he  said:  his  grief  the  heroes  join'd, 
Each  stole  a  tear  for  what  he  left  behind. 
Their  mingled  grief  the  sire  of  heaven  survey'd, 
And  thus  with  pity  to  his  blue-eyed  maid: 

"Is  then  Achilles  now  no  more  thy  care, 
And  dost  thou  thus  desert  the  great  in  war? 


THE  ILIAD.  443 

Lo,  whery  yon  sails  their  canvas  wings  extend, 
All  comfortless  he  sits,  and  wails  his  friend: 
Ere  thirst  and  want  his  forces  iiave  oppress'd, 
Haste  and  infuse  ambrosia  in  his  breast." 

He  spoke;  and  sudden,  at  the  word  of  Jove, 
Shot  the  descending  goddess  from  above. 
So  swift  through  ether  the  shrill  harpy  springs, 
The  wide  air  floating  to  her  ample  wings, 
To  great  Achilles  she  her  flight  address'd, 
And  pour'd  divine  ambrosia  in  his  breast,* 
With  nectar  sweet,  (refection  of  the  gods!) 
Then,  swift  ascending,  sought  the  bright  abodes. 

Now  issued  from  the  ships  the  warrior-train, 
And  like  a  deluge  pour'd  upon  the  plain. 
As  when  the  piercing  blasts  of  Boreas  blow. 
And  scatter  o'er  the  iields  the  driving  snow; 
From  dusky  clouds  the  fleecy  winter  flies. 
Whose  dazzling  lustre  whitens  all  the  skies: 
So  helms  succeeiling  helms,  so  shields  from  shields, 
Catch  the  quick  beams,  and  brighten  all  the  fields; 
Broad  glitteriiig  breastplates,  spears  with  pointed  rays, 
Mix  in  one  stream,  reflecting  blaze  on  blaze; 
Thick  beats  the  centre  as  the  coursers  bound; 
With  splendor  flame   the  skies,  and   laugh   the  fields 
around. 

Full  in  the  midst,  higli-towering  o'er  the  rest, 
His  limbs  in  arms  divine  Achilles  dress'd; 
Arms  which  the  father  of  the  fire  bestow'd. 
Forged  on  the  eternal  anvils  of  the  god. 
frrief  and  revenge  his  furious  heart  inspire, 
His  glowing  eyeballs  roll  with  living  lire; 
He  grinds  hia  teeth,  and  furious  with  delay 
O'erlooks  the  embattled   host,    and    hopes  the  bloody 
day. 

The  silver  cuishes  first  his  thighs  infold; 
Then  o'er  his  breast  was  braced  the  hollow  gold; 
Tlio  brazen  swocd  a  various  bahlric  tied. 
That,  starr'd  witii  gems,  hung  glittering  at  his  side; 
And,  like  the  moon,  the  broad  refulgent  shieM 
Bluzud  with  lung  rays,  and  gleam 'd  athwart  the  field. 


•  Aml/ronui. 

"  'l"li«!  l)lu«'-fyf'<l  maid, 
In  ev'ry  lirfa>t  ih-w  vi^ror  to  infii.sp, 
BriiigH  nectar  IhiiiimtM  vviili  lunlirnsial  di'w.s." 

— Mcirick'tt  Tr^pLiodoruH,  vi.  240. 


444  TBE  ILIAD. 

So  to  night-wandering  sailors,  pale  with  fears, 
Wide  o'er  the  watery  waste,  a  light  appears, 
Which  on  the  far-seen  mountain  blazing  high. 
Streams  from  some  lonely  watch-tower  to  the  sky: 
With  mournful  eyes  they  gaze,  and  gaze  again: 
Loud  howls  the  storm,  and  drives  them  o'er  the  main. 

Next,  his  high  head  the  helmet  graced;  behind 
The  sweepy  crest  hung  floating  in  the  wind; 
Like  the  red  star,  that  from  his  flaming  hair 
Shakes  down  diseases,  pestilence,  and  war; 
So  stream'd  the  golden  honors  from  his  head, 
Trembled  the  sparkling  plumes,  and  the  loose  glories 

shed. 
The  chief  beholds  himself  with  wondering  eyes; 
His  arms  he  poises,  and  his  motions  tries; 
Bnoy'd  by  some  inward  force,  he  seems  to  swim, 
And  feels  a  pinion  lifting  every  limb. 

And  now  he  shakes  his  great  paternal  spear, 
Ponderous  and  huge,  which  not  a  Greek  could  rear, 
From  Pelion's  cloudy  top  an  ash  entire 
Old  Chiron  fell'd,  and  shaped  it  for  his  sire; 
A  spear  which  stern  Achilles  only  wields. 
The  death  of  heroes,  and  the  dread  of  fields. 

Automedon  and  Alcimus  prepare _ 
The  immortal  coursers,  and  the  radiant  car 
(The  silver  traces  sweeping  at  their  side); 
Their  fiery  mouths  resplendent  bridles  tied; 
The  ivory-studded  reins,  return'd  behind, 
Waved  o'er  their  backs,  and  to  the  chariot  join'd. 
The  charioteer  then  whirl'd  the  lash  around, 
And  swift  ascended  at  one  active  bound. 
All  bright  in  heavenly  arms,  above  his  squire 
Achilles  mounts,  and  sets  the  field  on  fire; 
Not  brighter  Phojbus  in  the  ethereal  way 
Flames  from  bis  chariot,  and  restores  the  day. 
High  o'er  the  host,  all  terrible  he  stands. 
And  thunders  to  his  steeds  these  dread  commands: 

"Xanthus  and  Balius!  of  Podarges'  strain 
(Unless  ye  boast  that  heavenly  race  in  vain), 
Be  swift,  be  mindful  of  the  load  ye  bear, 
And  learn  to  make  your  master  more  your  care: 
Through  falling  squadrons  bear  my  slaughtering  sword, 
Nor,  as  ye  left  Patroclus,  leave  your  lord." 

The  generous  Xanthus,  as  the  words  he  said, 
Seem'd  sensible  of  woe,  and  droop'd  his  head: 


THE  ILIAD.  445 

Trembling  he  stood  before  the  golden  wain, 
And  bow'd  to  dust  the  honors  of  his  mane. 
"When,  strange  to  tell  I  (so  Juno  will'd)  he  broke 
Eternal  silence,  and  portentous  spoke. 
"Achilles!  yesi  this  day  at  least  we  bear 
Thv  rage  in  safety  through  the  files  of  war: 
But  come  it  will,  the  fatal  time  must  come, 
Not  ours  the  fault,  but  God  decrees  thy  doom. 
Not  through  our  crime,  or  slowness  in  the  course, 
Fell  thy  Patrochis,  but  by  heavenly  force; 
Tiie  bright  far-shooting  god  who  gilds  the  day 
(Confess'd  we  saw  him)  tore  his  arms  away. 
No — could  our  swiftness  o'er  tbe  winds  prevail, 
Or  beat  the  pinions  of  the  western  gale. 
All  were  in  vain — the  Fates  thy  death  demand, 
Due  to  a  mortal  and  immortal  band." 

Then  ceased  forever,  by  the  Furies  tied, 
His  fateful  voice.     The  intrepid  chief  replied 
With  unabated  rage — "So  let  it  be! 
Portends  and  prodigies  are  lost  on  nie. 
I  know  my  fate:  to  die,  to  see  no  more 
My  much-loved  parents,  and  my  native  shore — 
Enough — when  heaven  ordains,  I  sink  in  nigbt: 
Now  perish  Troy  I"     He  said,  and  rush'd  to  fight. 


446  THE  ILIAD. 


BOOK  XX. 

AKGUMENT. 

THE  BATTLE  OF  THE  GODS,  AND   THE  ACTS  OF  ACHILLES. 

Jupiter,  upon  Achilles'  return  to  the  battle,  calls  a  council  of  the 
gods,  and  permits  them  to  assist  either  party.  The  terrors  of 
the  combat  described,  when  the  deities  are  engaged.  Apollo 
encourages  ^neas  to  meet  Achilles.  After  a  long  conver- 
sation, these  two  heroes  encounter;  but  Jineas  is  preserved 
by  the  assistance  of  Neptune.  Achilles  falls  upon  the  rest  of 
the  Trojans,  and  is  upon  the  point  of  killing  Hector,  but 
Apollo  conveys  him  away  in  a  cloud.  Achilles  pursues  the 
Trojans  with  a  great  slaughter. 

The  same  day  continues.     The  scene  is   the  field  before 
Troy. 

Thus  round  Pelides  breathing  war  and  blood, 

Greece,  sheatlied  in  arms,  beside  her  vessels  stood; 

While  near  impending  from  a  neighboring  height, 

Troy's  black  battalions  wait  the  shock  of  fight. 

Then  Jove  to  Themis  gives  command,  to  call 

The  gods  to  conncil  in  the  starry  hall: 

Swift  o'er  Olympns'  hundred  hills  she  flies, 

And  summons  all  the  senate  of  the  skies. 

These  shining  on,  in  long  procession  come 

To  Jove's  eternal  adamantine  dome. 

Not  one  was  absent,  not  a  rural  power 

That  haunts  the  verdant  gloom,  or  rosy  bower 

Each  fair-hair'd  dryad  of  the  shady  wood, 

Each  azure  sister  of  the  silver  flood; 

All  but  old  Ocean,  hoary  sire!  who  keeps 

His  ancient  seat  beneath  the  sacred  deeps. 

On  marble  thrones,  with  lucid  columns  crown'd 

(The  work  of  Vulcan),  sat  the  powers  around. 

Even  he  whose  trident  sways  the  watery  reign 

Heard  the  loud  summons,  and  forsook  the  main, 

Assumed  his  throne  amid  the  bright  abodes. 

And  question'd  thus  the  sire  of  men  and  gods: 


THE  ILIAD.  447 

"What  moves  the  god  wJio  heaven  and  earth  com- 
mands, 
And  grasj3s  the  thnuder  in  his  awful  hands, 
Thus  to  convene  the  whole  ethereal  state-? 
Is  Greece  and  Troy  the  subject  in  debate? 
Already  met,  the  louring  hosts  appear, 
And  death  stands  ardent  on  the  edge  of  war." 

"  'Tis  true  (the  cloud-compelling  power  rej)lies) 
This  day  we  cull  the  council  of  the  skies 
In  care  of  human  race;  even  Jove's  own  eye 
Sees  with  regret  unhappy  mortals  die. 
Far  on  Olympus'  top  m  secret  state 
Ourself  will  sit,  and  see  the  hand  of  fate 
Work  out  our  will.     Celestial  powers  I  descend, 
And  as  your  minds  direct,  your  succor  lend 
To  either  host.     Troy  soon  must  lie  o'erthrown. 
If  uncontroll'd  Achilles  fights  alone: 
Their  troops  but  lately  durst  not  meet  his  eyes; 
What  can  they  now,  if  in  his  rage  he  rise? 
Assist  them,  gods!  or  Ilion's  sacred  wall 
May  fall  this  day,  though  fate  forbids  the  fall." 

lie  said,  and  fired  their  heavenly  breasts  with  rage. 
On  adverse  parts  the  warring  gods  engage: 
Heaven's  awful  queen;  and  he  whose  azure  round 
Girds  the  vast  globe;  the  maiil  in  arms  reuown'd; 
Hermes,  of  profitable  arts  tlie  sire; 
And  Vulcan,  tiie  black  sovereign  of  the  fire: 
Tiiose  to  the  fleet  repair  with  instant  ilight; 
The  vessels  tremble  as  the  gods  alight. 
In  aid  of  Troy,  Latona,  Phoebus  came. 
Mars  fiery-helm'd,  the  laughter-loving  dame, 
•Xanthus,  whose  streams  in  golden  currents  flow, 
And  the  chaste  huntress  of  the  silver  bow. 
Hre  yet  the  gods  their  various  aid  employ. 
Each  Argivo  bosom  swell'd  with  manly  joy, 
AVliile  great  Achilles  (terror  of  the  plain), 
Long  lost  to  battle,  shone  in  arms  again. 
Dreadful  ho  stood  in  front  of  all  his  host; 
I'alo  Troy  beheld,  and  seem'd  alreaily  lost; 
llor  bravest  heroes  pant  with  inward  fear, 
And  troml)ling  see  anotiior  god  (jf  war. 

Bnt  wlii-n  tiio  powers  desoen<ling  swcsll'd  the  fight, 
Then  tumult  r(jse:  fierce  rage  and  pale  alTi'iglit 
Varied  each  face:  then  Disfsord  sounds  alarms. 
Earth  echoes,  and  the  iiiitions  rusli  lo  arms. 


us  THE  ILIAD. 

Now  through  the  trembling  shores  Minerva  calls, 
And  now  she  thunders  from  the  Grecian  walls. 
Mars  hovering  o'er  his  Troy,  his  terror  shrouds 
In  gloomy  tempests,  and  a  night  of  clouds: 
Now  through  each  Trojan  heart  he  fury  jjours 
With  voice  divine,  from  Ilion's  topmost  towers: 
Now  shouts  to  Simois,  from  her  beauteous  hill; 
The  mountain  shook,  the  rapid  stream  stood  still. 
Above,  tlie  sire  of  gods  his  thunder  rolls, 
And  peals  on  peals  redoubled  rend  the  poles. 
Beneath,  stern  Neptune  shakes  the  solid  ground; 
The  forests  wave,  the  mountains  nod  around; 
Through  all  their  summits  tremble  Ida's  woods, 
And  from  their  sources  boil  her  hundred  floods. 
Troy's  turrets  totter  on  the  rocking  plain. 
And  the  toss'd  navies  beat  the  heaving  main. 
Deep  in  the  dismal  regions  of  the  dead,* 
The  infernal  monarch  rear'd  his  horrid  head, 
Leap'd  from  his  throne,  lest  Neptune's  arm  should  lay 
His  dark  dominions  open  to  the  day. 
And  pour  in  liglit  on  Pluto's  drear  abodes, 
Abhorr'd  by  men,  and  dreadful  even  to  gods.f 

Such  war  the  immortals  wage;  such  horrors  rend 
The  world's  vast  concave,  when  the  gods  contend. 
First  silver-shafted  Phcebus  took  the  plain 
Against  blue  Neptune,  monarch  of  the  main. 
The  god  of  arms  his  giant  bulk  display'd, 
Opposed  to  Pallas,  war's  triumphant  maid. 
Against  Latona  march'd  the  son  of  May. 
The  quiver'd  Dian,  sister  of  the  day 
(Her  golden  arrows  sounding  at  her  side), 
Saturnia,  majesty  of  heaven,  defied. 
AVith  fiery  Vulcan  last  in  battle  stands 
The  sacred  flood  that  rolls  on  golden  sands; 
Xanthus  his  name  with  those  of  heavenly  birth, 
But  called  Scamander  by  the  sons  of  earth. 


*  "  Hell  is  naked  before  liiiii,  and  destruction  liath  no  coverin|r. 
He  stretclieth  out  the  noitli  over  tlie  empty  place,  and  bangerii 
the  earth  upon  nothino-.     He  bindeth  up  the" waters  in  bis  thick 
clouds;  and  the  cloud  is  not  rent  under  them." — Job  xxvi.  6-8. 
f  "  Swift  from  his  throne  the  infernal  monarch  ran, 
All  pale  and  trembling,  lest  the  race  of  man, 
Slain  by  Jove's  wrath,  and  led  by  Hermes'  rod, 
Should  fill  (a  countless  tlironu!)  bis  dark  abode." 

— Merrick's  Tryi)hiodorus,  vi.  769,  sqq. 


TEE  ILIAD.  ^449 

While  thus  the  gods  in  varions  league  engage, 
Achilles  glow'd  -^vith  more  than  mortal  rage: 
Hector  he  sought;  in  search  of  Hector  turu'd 
His  eyes  around,  for  Hector  only  burn'd: 
And  burst  like  lightning  through  the  ranks,  and  vo'w'd 
To  glut  the  god  of  battles  ^vith  his  blood. 

^neas  was  the  first  who  dared  to  stay; 
Apollo  wedged  him  in  the  warrior's  way, 
But  swell'd  his  bosom  with  undaunted  might, 
Half-forced  and  half-persuaded  to  the  fight. 
Like  young  Lycaon,  of  the  royal  line. 
In  voice  and  aspect,  seeni'd  the  power  divine; 
And  bade  the  chief  reflect,  how  late  with  scorn 
In  distant  threats  he  braved  the  goddess-born. 

Then  thus  the  hero  of  Anchises'  strain: 
"To  meet  Pelides  you  persuade  in  vain: 
Already  have  I  met,  nor  void  of  fear 
Observed  the  fury  of  his  flying  spear; 
From  Ida's  woods  he  chased  us  to  the  field, 
Our  force  he  scatter'd,  and  our  herds  he  kill'd; 
Lyrnessus,  Pedasus  in  ashes  lay; 
But  (Jove  assisting)  I  survived  the  day: 
Else  had  I  sunk  oppress'd  in  fatal  fight 
By  fierce  Achilles  and  ^Minerva's  might 
Where'er  he  moved,  the  goddess  shone  before, 
And  bathed  his  brax-en  lance  in  hostile  gore. 
What  mortal  man  Achilles  can  sustain? 
The  immortals  guard  him  through  the  dreadful  plain, 
And  suffer  not  his  dart  to  fall  in  vain. 
AVere  God  my  aid,  this  arm  should  check  his  power. 
Though  strong  in  battle  as  a  brazen  tower." 

To  whom  tiie  son  of  Jove:  "That  god  implore. 
And  be  what  great  Achilles  was  before. 
From  heavenly  Venus  thou  deriv'st  thy  strain, 
And  he  but  from  a  sister  of  the  main; 
An  aged  sea-god  father  of  his  line; 
But  Jove  himself  the  sacred  source  of  thine. 
'J'hen  lift  thy  weapon  for  a  noble  blow, 
Nor  fear  the  vaunting  of  a  moi'tal  foe." 

This  said,  and  spirit  breathed  into  iiis  breast; 
Through  the  thick  troops  tlie  emboldenM  hero  prcss'd: 
His  venturous  act  the  white-arm'd  fjuccn  survcy'd. 
And  thus,  assemljling  all  the  puwoi.s,  .she  said: 

"Behold  an  action,  godsl  that  claims  your  care, 
Lo  great  ^neas  rushing  to  the  war! 


450  THE  ILIAD. 

Against  Pelides  he  directs  his  course, 
Phoebus  impels,  and  Pliwbus  gives  him  force. 
Eestrain  his  bold  career;  at  least,  to  attend 
Our  favor'd  hero,  let  some  power  descend. 
To  guard  his  life,  and  add  to  his  renown, 
"We,  tlie  great  armament  of  heaven,  cam.e  down. 
Hereafter  let  him  fall,  as  Fates  design, 
That  spun  so  short  his  life's  illustrious  line:* 
But  lest  some  adverse  god  now  cross  his  way, 
Give  him  to  know  what  powers  assist  this  da}': 
Por  how  shall  mortal  stand  the  dire  alarms. 
When  heaven's  refulgent  host  appear  in  arms?"f 

Thus  she;  and  thus  the  god  whose  force  can  make 
The  solid  globe's  eternal  basis  shake: 
''Against  the  might  of  man,  so  feeble  known, 
"Why  should  celestial  powers  exert  their  own? 
Suffice  from  yonder  mount  to  view  the  scene, 
And  leave  to  war  the  fates  of  mortal  men. 
But  if  the  armipotent,  or  god  of  light, 
Obstruct  Achilles,  or  commence  the  fight. 
Thence  on  the  gods  of  Troy  we  swift  descend: 
Full  soon,  I  doubt  not,  shall  the  conflict  end; 
And  these,  in  ruin  and  confusion  hurl'd. 
Yield  to  our  conquering  arms  the  lower  world." 

Thus  having  said,  the  tyrant  of  the  sea, 
Coerulean  Neptune,  rose,  and  led  the  way. 
Advanced  upon  the  field  there  stood  a  mound 
Of  earth  congested,  wall'd,  and  trench'd  around; 
In  elder  times  to  guard  Alcides  made 
(The  work  of  Trojans,  with  Minerva's  aid), 
"What  time  a  vengeful  monster  of  the  main 
Swept  the  wide  shore,  and  drove  him  to  the  plain. 

Here  Neptune  and  the  gods  of  Greece  repair, 
"With  clouds  encompass'd,  and  a  veil  of  air: 
The  adverse  powers,  around  AjdoIIo  laid, 
Crown  the  fair  hills  that  silver  Simois  shade. 
In  circle  close  each  heavenly  party  sate, 
Intent  to  form  the  future  scheme  of  fate; 
But  mix  not  yet  in  fight,  though  Jove  on  high 
Gives  the  loud  signal,  and  the  heavens  reply. 

*  These  words  seein  to  imply  the  old  belief,  that  the  Fates 
might  be  delayed,  but  never  wholly  set  aside. 

f  It  was  anciently  believed  that  it  was  dangerous,  if  not  fatal, 
to  behold  a  deity.     See  Exod.  xxxiii.  20;  Judg.  xiii.  23. 


THE  ILIAD.  451 

Meanwhile  the  rushiug  armies  hide  the  gronnd; 
The  trampled  centre  yields  a  hollow  sound :_ 
Steeds  cased  in  mail,  and  chiefs  in  armor  bright, 
The  gleaming  chami^aign  glows  with  brazen  light. 
Amid  both  hosts  (a  dreadful  space)  appear, 
There  great  Achilles;  bold  ^Eneas,  here. 
With  towering  strides  ^Eneas  first  advanced; 
The  nodding  plumage  on  his  helmet  danced: 
Spread  o'er  his  breast  the  fencing  shield  he  bore, 
And,  so  he  moved,  his  javelin  flamed  before. 
Not  so  Pelides;  furious  to  engage, 
He  rush'd  impetuous.     Such  the  lion's  rage, 
Who  viewing  first  his  foes  with  scornful  eyes, 
Though  all  in  arms  the  peopled  city  rise. 
Stalks  careless  on,  with  unregarding  pride; 
Till  at  the  length,  by  some  brave  youth  defied, 
To  his  bold  spear  the  savage  turns  alone, 
He  murmurs  fury  with  a  hollow  groan: 
He  grins,  he  foams,  he  rolls  his  eyes  around, 
Lash'd  by  his  tail  his  heaving  sides  resound; 
He  calls  up  all  his  rage;  he  grinds  his  teeth, 
Resolved  on  vengeance,  or  resolved  on  death. 
So  fierce  Achilles  on  .Eneas  flies; 
So  stands  ^Eneas,  and  his  force  defies. 
Ere  yet  the  stern  encounter  join'd,  begun 
The  seed  of  Thetis  thus  to  Venus'  son: 

"Why  comes  .Eneas  through  the  ranks  so  far? 
Seeks  he  to  meet  Achilles'  arm  in  war. 
In  hope  the  realms  of  Priam  to  enjoy. 
Ami  prove  his  merits  to  the  throne  of  Troy? 
Grant  that  beneath  thy  lance  Achilles  dies, 
The  partial  monarch  may  refuse  tlio  prize; 
Sons  he  has  many;  those  thy  pride  may  quell: 
And  'tis  his  fault  to  love  those  sons  too  well. 
Or,  in  reward  of  thy  victorious  hand, 
Has  Troy  proposed  some  spacious  tract  of  land, 
An  ample  forest,  or  a  fair  domain, 
Of  hills  for  vines,  and  arable  for  grain? 
Even  this,  perhaps,  will  hardly  prove  thy  lot. 
But  can  Achilles  bo  so  soon  forgot? 
Once  (as  I  think)  you  saw  this  hrandish'd  spear, 
And  then  the  great  yEneas  seem'd  to  fear: 
AVith  hearty  haste  from  Ida's  mount  ho  fled, 

Nor,  till  lie  reacii'd  Lyrnessus,  turn'd  his  head. 


452  THE  ILIAD. 

Her  lofty  walls  not  long  our  progress  stay'd; 
Those,  Pallas,  Jove,  and  we,  in  ruins  laid: 
In  Grecian  chains  her  captive  race  were  cast. 
'Tis  true,  the  great  ^neas  fled  too  fast. 
Defrauded  of  my  conquest  once  before, 
What  then  I  lost,  the  gods  this  day  restore. 
Go;  while  thou  may'st,  avoid  the  threaten 'd  fate; 
Fools  stay  to  feel  it,  and  are  wise  too  late." 

To  this  Ancliises'  sou:   "Such  words  employ 
To  one  that  fears  thee,  some  unwarlike  boy; 
Such  we  disdain;  the  best  may  be  defied 
With  mean  reproaches,  and  unmanly  pride; 
Unworthy  the  high  race  from  which  we  came 
Proclaim'd  so  loudly  by  the  voice  of  fame: 
Each  from  illustrious  fathers  draws  his  line; 
Each  goddess-born;  half  human,  half  divine. 
Thetis'  this  day,  or  Venus'  offspring  dies, 
And  tears  shall  trickle  from  celestial  eyes: 
For  when  two  heroes,  thus  derived,  contend, 
'Tis  not  in  words  the  glorious  strife  can  end. 
If  yet  thou  further  seek  to  learn  my  birth 
(A  tale  resounded  through  the  spacious  earth), 
Hear  how  the  glorious  origin  we  prove 
From  ancient  Dardanus,  the  first  from  Jove: 
Dardania's  walls  he  raised;  for  Ilion,  then 
(The  city  since  of  many  languaged  men). 
Was  not.     The  natives  were  content  to  till 
The  shady  foot  of  Ida's  fountful  hill.* 
From  Dardanus  great  Erichthonius  springs, 
The  richest,  once,  of  Asia's  wealthy  kings; 
Three  thousand  mares  his  spacious  pastures  bred, 
Three  thousand  foals  beside  their  mothers  fed. 
Boreas,  enamour'd  of  the  sprightly  train, 
Conceal'd  his  godhead  in  a  flowing  mane, 
With  voice  dissembled  to  his  loves  he  neigh'd, 
AtkI  coursed  the  dappled  beauties  o'er  the  mead: 
Hence  sprung  twelve  others  of  unrivall'd  kind, 
Swift  as  their  mother  mares,  and  father  wind. 
These  lightly  skimming,  when  they  swept  the  plain, 
Nor  plied  the  grass,  nor  bent  the  tender  grain. 

*  "  Ere  Ilium  and  the  Trojan  tow'rs  arose, 

In  humble  vales  they  built  their  soft  abodes." 

— Drjden's  Virgil,  iii.  150. 


THE  ILIAD.  453 

And  when  along  the  level  seas  they  flew,* 

Scarce  on  the  surface  curl'd  the  briny  dew. 

Such  Erichthonius  was:  from  him  there  came 

The  sacred  Tros,  of  whom  the  Trojan  name. 

Three  sons  renown'd  adorn'd  his  nuptial  bed, 

Ilns,  Assaracus,  and  Ganymed: 

The  matchless  Ganymed,  divinely  fair. 

Whom  heaven,  enamor'd,  snatch'd  to  upper  air 

To  bear  the  cup  of  Jove  (ethereal  guest, 

The  grace  and  glory  of  the  ambrosial  feast). 

The  two  remaining  sons  the  line  divide: 

First  rose  Laomedon  from  Ilus'  side; 

From  him  Tithonus,  now  in  cares  grown  old, 

And  Priam,  bless'd  with  Hector,  brave  and  bold; 

Clytius  and  Lampus,  ever-honor'd  pair; 

And  liicetaon,  thunderbolt  of  war. 

From  great  Assaracus  sprang  Capys,  he 

Begat  Anchises,  and  Anchises  me. 

Such  is  our  race;  'tis  fortune  gives  us  birth, 

But  Jove  alone  endues  the  soul  with  worth: 

He,  source  of  power  and  mightl  with  boundless  sway, 

All  human  courage  gives,  or  takes  away. 

Long  in  the  field  of  words  we  may  contend, 

Reproach  is  infinite,  and  knows  no  end, 

Arm'd  or  with  truth  or  falsehood,  right  or  wrong; 

So  voluble  a-weapon  is  the  tongue; 

Wounded,  we  wound;  and  neither  side  can  fail, 

For  every  man  has  equal  strength  to  rail: 

I  Women  alone,  Avhen  in  the  streets  they  jar, 
Perhaps  excel  us  in  this  wordy  war; 
Like  us  thy  stand,  encompass'd  with  the  crowd, 
And  vent  their  anger  impotent  and  loud. 
Cease  then — Our  business  in  the  field  of  fight 
Is  not  to  question,  but  to  prove  our  might. 
To  all  those  insults  thou  hast  ofTer'd  here, 
Keceivo  this  answer:  'tis  my  flying  spear." 

He  spoke.     With  all  his  force  the  javelin  flung, 
I"'ixM  deep,  and  loudly  in  the  buckler  rung, 
l-ar  on  his  outstretch'd  arm,  Pelides  iield 

•  Along  the  level  Sean.     ("(>riii)iire  Virgil's  deEcription  of  Camilla, 
who 

"  Ontstripp''!  tin-  winds  in  speed  u]>()n  the  plain, 
V\hw  o'er  the  field,  iKtr  hurt  the  heiirded  fjrain; 
She  Hwe[)t  the  seas,  and.  as  slie  skiniin'd  along, 
Uer  flying  feet  unbathed  on  billnws  hunfr." 

— Dryden,  vii.  1100. 


454  THE  ILIAD. 

(To  meet  the  thundering  lance)  his  dreadful  shield, 
That  trembled  as  it  stucii ;  nor  void  of  fear 
Saw,  ere  it  fell,  the  immeasurable  spear. 
His  fears  were  vain;  impenetrable  charms 
Secured  the  temper  of  the  ethereal  arms. 
Through  two  strong  plates  the  point  its  passage  held, 
But  stopp'd,  and  rested,  by  the  third  repell'd. 
_Five  plates  of  various  metal,  various  mould. 
Composed  the  shield;  of  brass  each  outward  fold. 
Of  tin  each  inward,  and  the  middle  gold: 
There  stuck  the  lance.     Then  rising  ere  he  threw. 
The  forceful  spear  of  great  Achilles  flew, 
And  pierced  the  Dardan  shield's  extremest  bound, 
Where  the  shrill  brass  return'd  a  sharper  sound; 
Through  the  thin  verge  the  Pelean  weapon  glides, 
And  the  slight  covering  of  expanded  hides, 
-^ueas  his  contracted  body  bends, 
And  o'er  him  high  the  riven  targe  extends. 
Sees,  through  its  parting  plates,  the  upper  air, 
And  at  his  back  perceives  the  quivering  spear: 
A  fate  so  near  him,  chills  his  soul  with  fright; 
And  swims  before  his  eyes  the  many-color'd  light. 
Achilles,  rushing  in  with  dreadful  cries. 
Draws  his  broad  blade,  and  at  ^neas  flies: 
-/Eneas  rousing  as  the  foe  came  on, 
With  force  collected,  heaves  a  mighty  ston.e; 
A  mass  enormous!  which  in  modern  days 
No  two  of  earth's  degenerate  sons  could  raise. 
But  ocean's  god,  whose  earthquakes  rock  the  ground, 
Saw  the  distress,  and  moved  tlie  powers  around. 

"Lo!  on  the  brink  of  fate  ^neas  stands, 
An  instant  victim  to  Achilles'  hands; 
By  Phoebus  urged;  but  Pha^bus  has  bestow'd 
His  aid  in  vain:  the  man  o'erpowers  the  god. 
And  can  ye  see  this  righteous  chief  atone 
With  guiltless  blood  for  vices  not  his  own? 
To  all  the  gods  his  constant  vows  w^ere  paid; 
Sure,  though  he  wars  for  Troy,  he  claims  our  aid. 
Fate  wills  not  this;  nor  thus  can  Jove  resign 
The  future  father  of  the  Dardan  line:* 

*  The  future  father.  "  ^neas  and  Antenor  stands  distinguished 
from  the  other  Trojans  by  a  dissatisfaction  with  Priam,  and  a 
sympathy  with  the  (« reeks,  which  is  by  Sophocles  and  others 
construed  as  treacijerons  collusion — a  suspicion  indirectly  glanced 
at,  though  emphatically  repelled,  in  the  J5ueas  of  Virgil." — 
Grote.  i.  p.  427. 


THE  ILIAD.  455 

The  first  great  ancestor  obtain'd  his  grace, 

And  still  his  love  descends  on  all  the  race: 

For  Priam  now,  and  Priam's  faithless  kind, 

At  length  are  odious  to  the  all-seeing  mind; 

On  great  xEneas  shall  devolve  the  reign. 

And  sous  succeeding  sons  the  lasting  line  sustain." 

The  great  earth-shaker  thus:  to  whom  replies 
The  imperial  goddess  with  the  radiant  eyes: 
"Good  as  he  is,  to  immolate  or  spare 
The  Dardau  prince,  0  Neptunel  be  thy  care; 
Pallas  and  I,  by  all  that  gods  can  bind. 
Have  sworn  destruction  to  the  Trojan  kind; 
Not  even  an  instant  to  protract  their  fate, 
Or  save  one  member  of  the  sinking  state; 
Till  her  last  flame  be  quench'd  with  her  last  gore, 
And  even  her  crumbling  ruins  are  no  more." 

The  king  of  ocean  to  the  fight  descends. 
Through  all  the  whistling  darts  his  course  he  bends, 
Swift  interposed  between  the  warrior  flies. 
And  casts  thick  darkness  o'er  Achilles'  eyes,* 
From  great  Eneas'  shield  the  spear  he  drew, 
And  at  his  master's  feet  the  weapon  threw. 
That  done,  with  force  divine  ho  snatch'd  on  high 
The  Dardan  prince,  and  bore  him  tlirough  the  sky, 
Smooth-gliding  without  step,  above  the  heads 
Of  warring  heroes,  and  of  bounding  steeds: 
Till  at  the  battle's  utmost  verge  they  light. 
Where  the  slow  Cancans  close  the  rear  of  figlit. 
The  godliead  there  (his  heavenly  form  confess'd) 
With  words  like  those  the  panting  chief  address'd: 

"What  power,  0  prince!  with  force  inferior  far, 
Urged  thee  to  meet  Achilles'  arm  in  war? 
lleiiGotorth  beware,  nor  antedate  thy  doom. 
Defrauding  fate  of  all  tiiy  fame  to  come. 
But  when  the  day  decreed,  (for  come  it  must) 
Shall  lay  tliis  dreadful  hero  in  tiio  dust. 
Let  then  the  furies  of  that  arm  be  known. 
Secure  no  Grecian  force  transcends  thy  own." 


*  Neptune  tlms  recounts  bis  services  to  ^neas: 

"  Wlii-n  your  ..Kru^Jis  foiij^lif,  hut  ff)Uf^bt  with  odds 
Of  force  unciiuiil.  uiul  um-ijtiul  ^^ods: 
I  sproiid  n  cloud  lic^fon;  tlif  victor's  sipht, 
Sustain'd  tlm  v(in(|uisli'(l,  and  sfcured  his  tlif;ht; 
Even  tlien  sccurecl  him,  wlien  I  soujjht  witli  joy 
The  vow'd  dostructioM  of  uu^jratcful  'I'rov." 

— Drydeu'b  Virgil,  v.  1058. 


456  THE  ILIAD. 

With  that  he  left  him  wondering  as  he  lay, 
Then  from  Achilles  chased  the  mist  away: 
Sudden,  returning  with  a  stream  of  light, 
The  scene  of  war  came  rushing  on  his  sight. 
Then  thus,  amazed:  "What  wonders  strike  my  mind! 
My  spear,  that  parted  on  the  wings  of  wind, 
Laid  here  before  me!  and  the  Dardan  lord, 
That  fell  this  instant,  vanish'd  from  my  sword! 
I  thought  alone  with  mortals  to  contend, 
But  powers  celestial  sure  this  foe  defend. 
Great  as  he  is,  our  arms  he  scarce  will  try, 
Content  for  once,  with  all  his  gods,  to  fly. 
Now  then  let  others  bleed."    This  said,  aloud 
He  vents  his  fury,  and  inflames  the  crowd: 
''0  Greeks!  (he  cries,  and  every  rank  alarms) 
Join  battle,  man  to  man,  and  arms  to  arms! 
'Tis  not  in  me,  though  favor'd  by  the  sky. 
To  mow  whole  troops,  and  make  whole  armies  fly. 
No  god  can  singly  such  a  host  engage. 
Not  Mars  himself,  nor  great  Minerva's  rage, 
But  whatsoe'er  Achilles  can  inspire, 
Whate'er  of  active  force,  or  acting  fire; 
Whate'er  this  heart  can  prompt,  or  hand  obey; 
All,  all  Achilles,  Greeks!  is  yours  to-day. 
Through  yon  wide  host  this  arm  shall  scatter  fear. 
And  thin  the  squadrons  with  my  single  spear." 

He  said:  nor  less  elate  with  martial  joy. 
The  godlike  Hector  waim'd  the  troops  of  Troy: 
"Trojans,  to  war!     Think,  Hector  leads  you  on; 
Nor  dread  the  vaunts  of  Peleus'  haughty  son; 
Deeds  must  decide  our  fate.     E'en  these  with  words 
Insult  the  brave,  who  tremble  at  their  swords: 
The  vveakest  atheist-wretch  all  heaven  defies. 
But  shrinks  and  shudders  when  the  thunder  flies. 
Nor  from  yon  boaster  shall  your  chief  retire. 
Not  though  his  heart  were  steel,  his  hands  were  fire; 
That  fire,  that  steel,  your  Hector  should  withstand. 
And  brave  tliat  vengeful  heart,  that  dreadful  hand." 

Thus  (breathing  rage  through  all)  the  hero  said; 
A  wood  of  lances  rises  round  his  head, 
Clamors  on  clamors  tempest  all  the  air, 
They  join,  they  throng,  they  thicken  to  the  war. 
But  Phoebus  warns  him  from  high  heaven  to  shun 
The  single  fight  with  Thetis'  godlike  son; 
More  safe  to  combat  in  the  mingled  band, 


THE  ILIAD.  457 

Nor  tempt  too  near  the  terrors  of  his  hand. 

He  hears,  obedient  to  the  god  of  light, 

And,  plunged  within  the  ranks,  awaits  the  fight. 

Then  fierce  Achilles,  shouting  to  the  skies. 
On  Troy's  whole  force  with  boundless  fury  flies. 
First  falls  Iphytion,  at  his  army's  head; 
Brave  was  the  chief,  and  brave  the  host  he  led; 
From  great  Otrynteus  he  derived  his  blood, 
His  mother  was  a  NaTs,  of  the  flood; 
]?eneath  the  shades  of  Tmolus,  crown'd  with  snow, 
From  Hyde's  walls  he  ruled  the  lands  below. 
Fierce  as  he  springs,  the  sword  his  head  divides: 
The  parted  visage  falls  on  equal  sides: 
With  loud-resounding  arms  he  strikes  tlie  plain; 
AVhile  thus  Achilles  glories  o'er  the  slain: 

"Lie  there,  Otryntides!  the  Trojan  earth 
Receives  thee  dead,  though  Gygai  boast  thy  birth; 
Those  beauteous  fields  where  ilyllus'  waves  are  roll'd, 
And  plenteous  Hermus  swells  with  tides  of  gold, 
Are  thine  no  more." — The  insulting  hero  said, 
And  left  him  sleeping  in  eternal  shade. 
The  rolling  wheels  of  (Jreece  the  body  tore, 
And  dash'd  their  axles  with  no  vulgar  gore. 

Demoleon  next,  Antenor's  olTspring,  laid 
Breathless  in  dust,  the  price  of  rashness  paid. 
The  impatient  steel  with  full-descending  sway 
Forced  through  his  brazen  helm  its  furious  way, 
Resistless  drove  tlie  batter'd  skull  before. 
And  dash'd  and  mingled  all  the  brains  with  gore. 
This  sees  Hippodamas,  and  seized  with  fright, 
Deserts  his  chariot  for  a  swifter  flight: 
The  lance  arrests  him:  an  ignoble  wound 
The  panting  Trojan  rivets  to  the  ground. 
He  groans  away  his  soul:  not  hnider  roars. 
At  Neptune's  siirine  on  Helieo's  high  shores. 
The  victim  bull;  the  rocks  re-bellow  round, 


DC 


And  ocean  listens  to  the  grateful  sound. 
Then  fell  on  I'olydoro  bis  vengeful  rage,' 
I'lio  youngest  jjope  oi  I'riam's  stooping  age 
(Whose  feet  for  swiftness  in  the  race  snrpass'd): 

*  On  Polydore.  Euripides,  Virgil,  and  otlierK,  relate  that 
Polydoro  was  sent  into  Tlirace,  to  tlie  house  of  Polyniestor,  for 
j»rotoction.  beinp  tlie  yonii(,'est  of  Priftni'M  sons,  and  tlmt  lie  was 
treacherously  inurdert^l  iiy  his  host  for  the  Haite  of  the  treasure 
8ent  with  hiui. 


458  THE  ILIAD. 

Of  all  his  sons,  the  dearest,  and  the  last. 
To  the  forbidden  field  he  takes  his  flight, 
In  the  first  folly  of  a  youthful  knight, 
To  vaunt  his  swiftness  wheels  around  che  plain. 
But  vaunts  not  long,  with  all  his  swiftness  slain; 
Struck  where  the  crossing  belts  unite  behind, 
And  golden  rings  the  double  back-plate  join'd, 
Forth  through  the  navel  burst  the  thrilling  steel; 
And  on  his  knees  with  piercing  shrieks  he  fell; 
The  rushing,  entrails  pour'd  upon  the  ground, 
His  hands  collect;  and  darkness  wraps  him  round. 
When  Hector  view'd,  all  ghastly  in  his  gore, 
Thus  sadly  slain  the  unhappy  Polydore, 
A  cloud  of  sorrow  overcast  his  sight, 
His  soul  no  longer  brook'd  the  distant  fight: 
Full  in  Achilles'  dreadful  front  he  came, 
And  shook  his  javelin  like  a  waving  flame. 
The  son  of  Peleus  sees,  with  joy  possess'd, 
His  heart  high-bounding  in  his  rising  breast. 
"And,  lo!  the  man  on  whom  black  fates  attend; 
The  man,  that  slew  Achilles,  is  his  friend! 
No  more  shall  Hector's  and  Pelides'  spear 
Turn  from  each  other  in  the  walks  of  war" — 
Then  with  revengeful  eyes  he  scann'd  him  o'er: 
"Come,  and  receive  thy  fate!"  He  spake  no  more. 

Hector,  undaunted,  thus:  "Such  words  employ 
To  one  that  dreads  thee,  some  unwarlike  boy: 
Such  we  could  give,  defying  and  defied, 
Mean  intercourse  of  obloquy  and  pride! 
I  know  thy  force  to  mine  superior  far; 
But  heaven  alone  confers  success  in  war; 
Mean  as  I  am,  the  gods  may  guide  my  dart. 
And  give  it  entrance  in  a  braver  heart." 

Then  parts  the  lance:  but  Pallas'  heavenly  breath 
Far  from  Achilles  wafts  the  winged  death: 
The  bidden  dart  again  to  Hector  flies. 
And  at  the  feet  of  its  great  master  lies. 
Achilles  closes  with  his  hated  foe, 
His  heart  and  eyes  with  flaming  fury  glow: 
But  present  to  his  aid,  Apollo  shrouds 
The  favor'd  hero  in  a  veil  of  clouds. 
Thrice  struck  Pelides  with  indignant  heart. 
Thrice  in  impassive  air  he  plunged  the  dart; 
The  spear  a  fourth  time  buried  in  the  cloud. 
He  foams  with  fury,  and  exclaims  aloud: 


THE  ILIAD.  459 

**  Wretch  I  thou   hast  'scaped  again;  once  more  thy 
flight 
Has  saved  thee,  and  the  partial  god  of  light; 
But  long  thou  shalt  not  thy  just  fate  withstand, 
If  any  power  assist  Achilles'  hand. 
Fly  then  inglorious!  but  thy  flight  this  day 
Whole  hecatombs  of  Trojan  ghosts  shall  pay." 

With  that,  he  gluts  liis  rage  with  numbers  slain: 
Then  Dryops  tumbled  to  the  ensanguined  plain. 
Pierced  through  the  neck:  he  left  him  panting  there, 
And  stopp'd  Demuchus,  great  Philetor's  heir. 
Gigantic  chief,  deep  gash'd  the  enormous  blade, 
And  for  the  soul  an  ample  passage  made. 
Laoganus  and  Dardanus  expire, 
The  valiant  sons  of  an  unhappy  sire; 
Both  in  one  instant  from  the  chariot  hurl'd, 
Sunk  in  one  instant  to  the  nether  world: 
This  difference  only  their  sad  fates  afford 
That  one  the  spear  destroy'd,  and  one  the  sword. 

Nor  less  unpitied,  young  Alastor  bleeds; 
In  vain  his  youth,  in  vain  his  beauty  pleads; 
In  vain  he  begs  thee,  with  a  suppliant's  moan, 
To  spare  a  form,  an  age  so  like  thy  own! 
Unhappy  boy!  no  prayer,  no  moving  art. 
E'er  bent  that  fierce,  inexorable  heart! 
While  yet  he  tremljled  at  his  knees,  and  cried, 
The  ruthless  falchion  oped  his  tender  side; 
The  panting  liver  pours  a  flood  of  gore 
That  drowns  his  bosom  till  lie  pants  no  more. 

Through    Mulius'  head   then   drove   the  impetuous 
spear; 
The  warrior  falls,  transfix'd  from  ear  to  ear. 
Thy  life,  EcheolusI  next  the  sword  bereaves. 
Deep  through  the  front  the  ponderous  falchion  cleaves: 
Warm'd  in  the  lirain  the  smoking  weapon  lies, 
Tlio  purple  death  comes  floating  o'er  his  eyes. 
Then  brave  Deucalion  died:  the  dart  was  flung 
Where  the  knit  nerves  the  pliant  elbow  strung; 
Ho  droppM  his  arm,  an  unassisting  weight. 
Ami  stood  all  impotent,  oxjjccting  fate: 
Full  on  his  neck  tl)e  falling  falchion  sped. 
From  his  broad  slioiiltlors  hew'd  his  crrstod  head: 
Forth  from  the  bono  the  spinal  marrow  flies, 
And,  sunk  in  dust,  the  corpse  extended  lies. 
Rhigmas,  whoso  race  from  fruitful  Thraciu  came 


460  THE  ILIAD. 

(The  son  of  Pierus,  an  illustrious  name), 
Succeeds  to  fate:  the  spear  his  belly  rends; 
Prone  from  his  car  the  thundering  chief  descends. 
The  squire,  who  saw  expiring  on  the  ground 
His  prostrate  master,  rein'd  the  steeds  around; 
His  back,  scarce  turn'd,  the  Pelian  javelin  gored, 
And  stretch'd  the  servant  o'er  his  dying  lord. 
As  when  a  flame  the  winding  valley  fills, 
And  runs  on  crackling  shrubs  between  the  hills; 
Then  o'er  the  stubhle  up  the  mountain  flies, 
Fires  the  high  woods,  and  blazes  to  the  skies, 
This  way  and  that,  the  spreadiiig  torrent  roars; 
So  sweeps  the  hero  through  the  wasted  shores; 
Around  him  wide,  immense  destruction  pours, 
And  earth  is  deluged  with  the  sanguine  showers, 
As  with  autumnal  harvests  cover'd  o'er. 
And  thick  bestrewn,  lies  Ceres'  sacred  floor; 
When  round  and  round,  with  never-wearied  pain. 
The  trampling  steers  beat  out  the  unnumber'd  grain: 
So  the  fierce  coursers,  as  the  chariot  rolls. 
Tread  down  whole  ranks,  and  crush  out  heroes'  souls. 
Dash'd  from  their  hoofs  while  o'er  the  dead  they  fly, 
Black,  bloody  drops  the  smoking  chariot  dye: 
The  spiky  wheels  through  heaps  of  carnage  tore; 
And  thick  the  groaning  axles  dropp'd  with  gore. 
High  o'er  the  scene  of  death  Achilles  stood, 
Alfgrim  with  dust,  all  horrible  in  blood: 
Yet  still  insatiate,  still  with  rage  on  flame; 
Such  is  the  lust  of  never-dying  fame! 


THE  ILIAD.  461 


BOOK  XXI. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE  BATTLE   IX   THE   KIVER  SCAMANDEK.* 

The  Trojans  fly  before  Achilles,  some  towards  the  town,  others 
to  the  river  Scamander:  he  falls  upon  the  latter  with  great 
slaughter:  takes  twelve  captives  alive,  to  sacrifice  to  the 
shade  of  Patroclus;  and  kills  Lycaon  and  Asteropeus.  Sca- 
mander attacks  him  with  all  his  waves:  Neptune  and  Pallas 
assist  the  hero;  Siniols  joins  Scamander;  at  length  Vulcan, 
by  the  instigation  cf  Juno,  almost  dries  up  the  river.  This 
combat  ended,  the  other  gods  engage  each  otlier.  Mean- 
while Achilles  continues- the  slaughter,  drives  the  rest  into 
Troy.  Agenor  only  makes  a  stand,  and  is  conveyed  away 
in  a  cloud  by  Apollo;  who  (to  delude  Achilles)  takes  upon 
him  Ageuor's  shape,  and  while  he  pursues  him  in  that  dis- 
guise, gives  the  Trojans  an  opportunity  of  retiring  into  their 
city. 

The  same  day  continues.     The  scene  is  on  the  banks  and 
in  the  stream  of  Scamander. 

AxD  now  to  Xaiitlius'  gliding  stream  tliey  drove, 
Xanthus,  immortal  progeny  of  Jove. 
Tlie  river  here  divides  the  flying  train, 
Part  to  the  town  fly  diverse  o'er  the  plain, 

*  "  Perhaps  the  boldest  excursion  of  Homer  into  this  region  of 
))oetica]  fancy  is  the  collision  into  which,  in  th<^  twenty-first  of 
the  Iliad,  he  lias  brought  tiie  river  god  Scamander,  first  with 
Achilles,  and  afterwanls  with  V^ulcan,  when  summoned  by  Juno 
to  the  hero's  aid.  Tlie  overwhelming  fury  of  tlie  stream  finds 
the  natural  interpretation  in  the  character  of  the  mountain  tor- 
rents of  (Jreere  and  Asia  .Minor.  'J'heir  wide,  sliingly  i)eds  are 
in  summer  comparntively  dry,  so  as  to  lie  easily  forch'd  Ijy  the 
foot  passenger.  iJut  a  t liuiiiler-shower  in  the  mountains,  unob- 
served by  tliH  traveler  on  the  plain,  may  suddenly  immerse  him 
in  the  flood  of  a  mighty  river.  The  rescue  of  Achilles  by  the 
fiery  arms  of  Vulfan  scarcely  admits  of  the  same  ready  explana- 
tion from  physical  causes.  Vet  the  subsiding  of  tlie  flood  at  the 
critical  moment  when  the  hero's  destruction  appeared  iinminent, 
might,  by  a  slight  extension  of  the  figurative  |iara!le|,  beascribecl 
to  a  god  symbolic  of  the  influen<-es  opposed  to  all  atmospheric 
moisture." — Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  480,  sq. 


462  1'HE  ILIAD. 

Where  late  their  troops  triumphant  bore  the  fight, 

Now  chased,  and  trembling  in  ignoble  flight 

(These  with  a  gather'd  mist  Saturnia  shrouds. 

And  rolls  behind  the  rout  a  heap  of  clouds): 

Part  plunge  into  the  stream:  old  Xanthus  roars, 

The  flashing  billows  beat  the  whiten'd  shores: 

With  cries  promiscuous  all  the  banks  resound, 

And  here,  and  there,  in  eddies  whirling  round. 

The  flouncing  steeds  and  shrieking  warriors  drown'd. 

As  the  scorch'd  locusts  from  their  fields  retire. 

While  fast  behind  them  runs  the  blaze  of  fire; 

Driven  from  the  land  before  the  smoky  cloud, 

The  clustering  legions  rush  into  the  flood: 

So,  plunged  in  Xanthus  by  Achilles'  force, 

Koars  the  resounding  surge  with  men  and  horse. 

His  bloody  lance  the  hero  casts  aside 

(Which  spreading  tamarisks  on  the  margin  hide), 

Then,  like  a  god,  the  rapid  billows  braves, 

Arm'd  with  his  sword,  high  brandish'd  o'er  the  waves: 

Now  down  he  plunges,  now  he  whirls  it  round, 

Deep  groan'd  the  waters  with  the  dying  sound; 

Repeated  wounds  the  reddening  river  dyed, 

And  the  warm  purple  circled  on  the  tide. 

Swift  through  the  foamy  flood  the  Trojans  fly, 

And  close  in  rocks  or  winding  caverns  lie: 

So  the  huge  dolphin,  tempesting  the  main, 

In  shoals  before  him  fly  the  scaly  train. 

Confusedly  heap'd  they  seek  their  inmost  caves, 

Or  pant  and  heave  beneath  the  floating  waves. 

Now,  tired  with  slaughter,  from  the  Trojan  band 

Twelve  chosen  youtiis  he  drags  alive  to  land; 

With  their  rich  belts  their  captive  arms  restrains 

(Late  their  proud  ornaments,  but  now  their  chains). 

These  his  attendants  to  the  ships  convey'd. 

Sad  victims  destined  to  Patroclus'  shade; 

Then,  as  once  more  he  plunged  amid  the  flood, 
The  young  Lycaon  in  his  passage  stood; 
The  son  of  Priam;  whom  the  hero's  hand 
But  iate  made  captive  in  his  father's  land 
(As  from  a  sycamore,  his  sounding  steel 
Lopp'd  the  green  arms  to  spoke  a  chariot  wheel). 
To  Lemnos'  isle  he  sold  the  royal  slave^ 
Where  Jason's  son  the  price  demanded  gave; 
But  kind  Action,  touching  on  the  shore, 
The  ransom'd  prince  to  fair  Arisbe  bore. 


THE  ILIAD.  463 

Ten  days  were  past,  since  in  his  father's  reign 

He  felt  the  sweets  of  liberty  again ; 

The  next,  that  god  whom  men  in  vain  withstand 

Gives  tile  same  youth  to  the  same  conquering  hand: 

Now  never  to  return!  and  doom'd  to  go 

A  sadder  journey  to  the  shades  below. 

His  well-known  face  when  great  Achilles  eyed 

(The  helm  and  visor  he  had  cast  aside 

With  wild  affright,  and  dropp'd  upon  the  field 

His  useless  lance  and  unavailing  shield), 

As  trembling,  panting,  from  the  stream  he  fled, 

And  knock'd  his  faltering  knees,  the  hero  said: 

"Ye  miglity  gods!  what  wonders  strike  my  viewt 

Is  it  in  vain  our  conquering  arms  subdue? 

Sure  I  shall  see  yon  heaps  of  Trojans  kill'd 

Rise  from  the  shades,  and  brave  me  on  the  field: 

As  now  the  captive,  whom  so  late  I  bound 

And  sold  to  Lemnos,  stalks  on  Trojan  ground! 

Not  him  the  sea's  unmeasured  deeps  detain, 

That  bar  such  numbers  from  their  native  ])lain: 

Lo!  he  returns.     Try,  then,  my  flying  spear! 

Try,  if  the  grave  can  hold  the  wanderer; 

If  earth,  at  length,  this  active  prince  can  seize, 

Earth,  whose  strong  grasp  has  held  down  Hercules." 

Thus  while  he  spoke,  the  Trojan  pale  with  fears 
Approach'd,  and  sought  his  knees  with  suppliant  tears, 
Loth  as  he  was  to  yield  his  youthful  breath. 
And  his  soul  shivering  at  the  approach  of  death. 
Acliilles  raiseil  the  spear,  prepared  to  wound; 
He  kiss'd  his  feet,  extended  on  the  ground: 
yViid  wiiile,  above,  the  spear  suspendoil  stood, 
Longing  to  dip  its  thirsty  point  in  blood, 
One  hand  embraced  tiuMu  close,  one  sto])p'd  the  dart, 
While  tinis  tliuse  melting  words  attempt  his  heart: 

"Thy  well-known  captive,  great  Achilles!  see, 
Once  more  Lyoaon  trembles  at  thy  knee. 
Some  pity  to  a  suppliant's  name  all'ord, 
Who  shared  the  gifts  of  Ceres  at  thy  board; 
Wiiom  late  thy  conquering  arm  to  licmnos  bore, 
l-'ar  from  his  father,  friends,  and  native  shore; 
A  hundred  oxen  were  his  price  that  day. 
Now  sums  immense  thy  mercy  shall  lepay. 
Scarce  respited  from  wotis  I  yet  appear. 
And  scarce  twelve  morning  suns  have  seen  nie  hero; 
Lo!  Jove  again  submits  me  to  thy  hands, 


464  THE  ILIAD. 

Again,  her  victim  cruel  Fate  demands! 

I  sprang  from  Priam,  and  Laothoe  fair 

(Old  Altes'  daugliter,  and  Lelegia's  heir; 

Who  held  in  Pedasus  his  famed  abode. 

And  ruled  the  fields  where  silver  Satnio  flow'd), 

Two  sons  (alas!  unhappy  sons)  she  bore; 

For  ah!  one  spear  shall  drink  each  brother's  gore, 

And  I  succeed  to  slaughter'd  Polydore. 

How  from  that  arm  of  terror  shall  I  fly? 

Some  demon  urges!  'tis  my  doom  to  die! 

It'  ever  yet  soft  pity  toiich'd  thy  mind. 

Ah!  think  not  me  too  much  of  Hector's  kind! 

Not  the  same  mother  gave  thy  suppliant  breath. 

With  his,  who  wrought  thy  loved  Patroclus'  death. 

These  words,  attended  with  a  shower  of  tears, 
The  youth  address'd  to  unrelenting  ears: 
"Talk  not  of  life,  or  ransom  (he  replies): 
Patroclus  dead,  whoevei'  meets  me,  dies: 
In  vain  a  single  Trojan  sues  for  grace; 
But  least,  the  sons  of  Priam's  hateful  race. 
Die  then,  my  friend!  what  boots  it  to  deplore? 
The  great,  the  good  Patroclus  is  no  more! 
He,  far  thy  better,  was  foredoom'd  to  die, 
And  thou,  dost  thou  bewail  mortality? 
Seest  thou  not  me,  whom  nature's  gifts  adorn, 
Sprung  from  a  hero,  from  a  goddess  born? 
The  day  shall  come  (which  nothing  can  avert) 
"When  by  the  spear,  the  arrow,  or  the  dart, 
By  night,  or  day,  by  force,  or  by  design. 
Impending  death  and  certain  fate  are  mine! 
Die  then," — He  said;  and  as  the  word  he  spoke 
Tlie  fainting  stripling  sank  before  the  stroke: 
His  hand  forgot  its  grasp,  and  left  the  spear. 
While  all  his  trembling  frame  confess'd  his  fear: 
Sudden,  Achilles  his  broad  sword  display'd, 
And  buried  in  his  neck  the  reeking  blade. 
Prone  fell  the  youth;  and  panting  on  the  land, 
The  gushing  purple  dyed  the  thirsty  sand. 
The  victor  to  the  stream  the  carcase  gave, 
And  thus  insults  him,  floating  on  the  wave: 

"Lie  there,  Lycaon!  let  the  fish  surround 
Thy  bloated  corpse,  and  suck  thy  gory  wound: 
There  no  sad  mother  shall  thy  funerals  weep. 
But  swift  Scainander  roll  thee  to  the  deep. 
Whose  every  wave  some  watery  monster  brings. 


THE  ILIAD.  465 

To  feast  nnpnnish'd  on  the  fat  of  kings. 
So  perish  Troy,  and  all  the  Trojan  line! 
Such  ruin  theirs,  and  such  compassion  mine. 
What  boots  ye  now  Scamander's  worshipp'd  stream, 
His  earthly  honors,  and  immortal  name? 
In  vain  vour  immolated  bulls  are  slain, 
Your  living  coursers  glut  his  gulfs  in  vain! 
Thus  he  rewards  yon,  with  this  bitter  fate; 
Thus,  till  the  Grecian  vengeance  is  complete: 
Thus  is  atoned  Patroclus'  honored  shade, 
And  the  short  absence  of  Achilles  paid." 

Tliese  boastful  words  provoked  the  raging  god; 
Witli  fury  swells  the  violated  Mood. 
What  means  divine  may  yet  the  power  employ 
To  check  Achilles,  aiul  to  rescue  Troy? 
^leanwhile  tlie  hero  s})rings  in  arms,  to  dare 
The  great  Asteropens  to  mortal  war; 
The  son  of  Pelagon,  whose  lofty  line 
Flows  from  the  source  of  Axius,  stream  divine! 
(Fair  Peribsa's  love  the  god  had  crown'd, 
With  all  his  refluent  waters  circled  round): 
On  him  Achilles  rush'd;  he  fearless  stood, 
And  shook  two  spears,  advancing  from  the  flood; 
The  flood  impeil'd  him,  on  Pelides'  head 
To  avenge  his  waters  choked  witli  heaps  of  dead. 
Near  as  they  drew,  Achilles  thus  began: 

"Wiiat  art  thou,  boldest  of  the  race  of  man? 
Who,  or  from  whence?     Unhappy  is  the  sire 
Whose  son  encouTiters  our  resistless  ire." 
"0  son  of  Peleus!  what  avails  to  trace 
(Replied  the  warrior)  our  illustrious  race? 
From  rich  Paionia's  valleys  I  command, 
Arm'd  with  protended  spears,  my  native  band; 
Now  shines  tlie  tenth  bright  morning  since  I  came 
In  aid  of  Ilion  to  the  fiehls  of  fame: 
Axius,  who  swells  with  all  the  neighboring  rills. 
And  wide  around  tlie  lloatcil  region  lills, 
Hegot  my  sire,  wlioso  8i)ear  much  glory  won: 
Now  lift  thy  arm,  and  try  tint  hero's  son!" 

Threatening  ho  saitl:  the  hostile  chiefs  advance; 
At  once  Asteropens  discharged  each  lance 
(For  both  his  dexterous  hands  the  lance  could  wield), 
One  HtriK:k,  but  ])ierc;ed  not,  the  N'ulcaiiiaii  shield; 
One  razed  Afhilh's'  band;  the  spouting  blood 
.Spun  forth;  in  earth  the  fasten'd  weapon  stood. 


466  THE  ILIAD. 

Like  liglitning  next  the  Pelean  javeliu  flies: 

Its  erring  fury  hiss'd  along  the  skies; 

Deep  in  the  swelling  bank  was  driven  the  spear, 

Even  to  the  middle  earth;  and  quiver'd  there. 

Then  from  his  side  the  swoid  Pelides  drew, 

And  on  his  foe  with  double  fury  flew. 

The  foe  thrice  tugg'd,  aiul  shook  the  rooted  wood; 

Eepulsive  of  his  might  the  weapon  stood: 

The  fourth,  he  tries  to  break  the  spear  in  vain; 

Bent  as  he  stands,  he  tumbles  to  the  plain; 

His  belly  open'd  with  a  ghastly  wound, 

The  reeking  entrails  pour  upon  the  ground. 

Beneath  the  hero's  feet  he  panting  lies, 

And  his  eye  darkens,  and  his  spirit  flies; 

While  the  proud  victor  thus  triumphing  said, 

His  radiant  armor  tearing  from  the  dead: 

"So  ends  thy  glory!     Such  the  fate  they  prove, 
Who  strive  presumptuous  with  the  sons  of  Jove! 
Sprung  from  a  river,  didst  thou  boast  thy  line? 
But  great  Saturnius  is  the  source  of  mine. 
How  durst  thou  vaunt  thy  watery  progeny? 
Of  Peleus,  ^acus,  and  Jove,  am  I. 
The  race  of  these  superior  far  to  those, 
As  he  that  thunders  to  the  stream  that  flows. 
What  rivers  can,  Scamander  might  have  shown; 
But  Jove  he  dreads,  nor  wars  against  his  son. 
Even  Achelous  might  contend  in  vain, 
And  all  the  roaring  billows  of  the  main. 
The  eternal  ocean,  from  whose  fountains  flow 
The  seas,  the  rivers,  and  the  springs  below. 
The  thundering  voice  of  Jove  abhors  to  hear, 
And  in  his  deep  abysses  shakes  with  fear." 

He  said:  then  from  the  bank  his  javelin  tore, 
And  left  the  breathless  warrior  in  his  gore. 
The  floating  tides  the  bloody  carcase  lave, 
And  beat  against  it,  wave  succeeding  wave; 
Till,  roll'd  between  the  banks,  it  lies  the  food 
Of  curling  eels,  and  fishes  of  the  flood. 
All  scattered  round  the  stream  (their  mightiest  slain) 
The  amazed  Pa^onians  scour  along  tlie  plain; 
He  vents  his  fury  on  the  flying  crew, 
Thrasius,  Astyplus,  and  Mnesus  slew; 
Mydon,  Thersilochus,  with  ^nius,  fell; 
And  numbers  more  his  lance  had  plunged  to  hell, 
But  from  the  bottom  of  his  gulfs  profound 


TEE  ILIAD,  467 

Scaraaiider  spoke;  the  shores  retiirn'd  the  sound. 

"0  first  of  moi'talsl  (for  the  gods  are  thine) 
In  valor  matchless,  and  in  force  divine! 
If  Jove  have  given  thee  every  Trojan  head, 
'Tis  not  on  me  thy  rage  should  heap  the  dead. 
See!  my  choked  streams  no  more  their  course  can  keep, 
Nor  roll  their  wonted  tribute  to  the  deep. 
Turn  then,  impetuous!  from  our  injured  flood; 
Content,  thy  slaughters  could  amaze  a  god." 

In  human  form,  confess'd  before  his  eyes. 
The  river  thus;  and  thus  the  chief  replies: 
"0  sacred  stream!  thy  word  we  shall  obey; 
But  not  till  Troy  the  destined  vengeance  pay, 
Not  till  within  her  towers  the  perjured  train 
Shall  pant,  and  tremble  at  our  arms  again; 
Not  till  proud  Hector,  guardian  of  her  wall, 
Or  stain  this  lance,  or  see  Achilles  fall." 

He  said;  and  drore  with  fury  on  the  foe. 
Then  to  the  godhead  of  the  silver  bow 
The  yellow  flood  began:  "0  son  of  Jove! 
Was  not  the  mandate  of  the  sire  above 
Full  and  express,  that  Phoebus  should  employ 
His  sacred  arrows  in  defence  of  Troy, 
And  make  her  conquer,  till  Hyperion's  fall 
In  awful  darkness  hide  the  face  of  all!-'" 

He  spoke  in  vain — The  chief  without  dismay 
Ploughs  through  the  boiling  surge  his  desperate  way. 
Then  rising  in  iiis  rage  above  the  shores, 
From  all  his  deep  the  bellowing  river  roars, 
Huge  heaps  of  slain  disgorges  on  the  coast. 
And  round  the  banks  the  ghastly  dead  are  toss'd. 
While  all  before,  tlio  billows  ranged  on  high 
(A  watery  bulwark),  screen  the  bands  who  fly. 
Now  bursting  on  his  head  with  thundering  sound, 
The  falling  deluge  whelms  the  hero  round: 
His  loadetl  shield  Ijends  to  the  rushing  tide; 
His  feet,  upborne,  scarce  the  strong  flood  divide, 
Sliihlering.  and  staggering.     On  the  border  stood 
A  spreading  elm,  that  ov(;rhting  the  (lootl; 
He  rteized  a  bending  bough,  his  steps  to  stay; 
The  plant  uprooted  to  his  weight  gave  way.* 
Heaving  the  bank,  and  undermining  all; 
Loud  flash  the  waters  to  the  rushing  fall 

•  Wood  liBH  olmnrved,  tliat  "  tlie  circuniHtnocH  of  n  falling  tree, 
wliidi  is  (lcsrrili<*<l  ns  reariiinfj  froiii  one  of  its  iiuiiks  to  tliu  other, 
affords  a  very  jufjt  idea  ol  tLe  breadth  of  the  .Scaiiiaiider." 


468  THE  ILIAD. 

Of  the  thick  foliage.     The  large  trunk  display'd 

Bridged  the  rough  flood  across:  the  hero  stay'd 

On  this  his  weight,  and  raised  upon  his  hand, 

Leap'd  from  the  channel,  and  regain'd  the  land. 

Then  blacken 'd  the  wild  waves:  the  murmur  rose: 

The  god  pursues,  a  huger  billow  throws, 

And  bursts  the  bank,  ambitious  to  destroy 

The  man  whose  fury  is  the  fate  of  Troy. 

He  like  the  warlike  eagle  speeds  his  pace 

(Swiftest  and  strongest  of  the  aerial  race); 

Far  as  a  spear  can  fly,  Achilles  springs; 

At  every  bound  his  clanging  armor  rings: 

Now  here,  now  there,  he  turns  on  every  side, 

And  winds  his  course  before  the  following  tide; 

The  waves  flow  after,  wherasoe'er  he  wheels, 

And  gather  fast,  and  murmur  at  his  heels. 

So  when  a  peasant  to  his  garden  brings 

Soft  rills  of  water  from  the  bubbling  springs, 

And" calls  the  floods  from  high,  to  bless  his  bowers. 

And  feed  with  pregnant  streams  the  plants  and  flowers: 

Soon  as  he  clears  whate'er  their  passage  stay'd, 

And  marks  the  future  current  with  his  spade. 

Swift  o'er  the  rolling  pebbles,  down  the  hills, 

Louder  and  louder  purl  the  falling  rills; 

Before  him  scattering,  they  prevent  his  pains, 

And  shine  in  mazy  wanderings  o'er  the  plains. 

Still  flies  Achilles,  but  before  his  eyes 
Still  swift  Scamander  rolls  where'er  he  flies: 
Not  all  his  speed  escapes  the  rapid  floods; 
The  first  of  men,  but  not  a  match  for  gods. 
Oft  as  he  turn'd  the  torrent  to  oppose, 
And  bravely  try  if  all  the  powers  were  foes; 
So  oft  tlie  surge,  in  watery  mountains  spread, 
Beats  on  his  back,  or  bursts  upon  his  head. 
Yet  dauntless  still  the  adverse  flood  he  braves, 
And  still  indignant  bounds  above  the  waves- 
Tired  by  the  tides,  his  knees  relax  with  toil; 
Wash'd  from  beneath  him  slides  the  slimy  soil; 
When  thus  (his  eyes  on  heaven's  expansion  thrown), 
Forth  bursts  the  hero  with  an  angry  groan: 

"Is  there  no  god  Achilles  to  befriend. 
No  power  to  avert  his  miserable  end? 
Prevent,  0  Jove!  this  ignominous  date,* 

*  Iffiiondnious.     Drowning,  as  compared   with   a  death  in  the 
field  of  battle,  was  considered  utterly  disgraceful. 


THE  irJAD.  469 

And  make  my  future  life  tlie  sport  of  fate. 

Of  all  heaven's  oracles  believed  in  vain, 

The  most  of  Thetis  must  her  son  complain* 

By  Phoebus'  darts  she  prophesied  my  fall, 

In  glorious  arms  before  the  Trojan  wall. 

Oh!  had  I  died  in  fields  of  battle  warm, 

Stretch 'd  like  a  hero,  by  a  hero's  arm! 

Might  Hector's  spear  this  dauntless  bosom  rend, 

And  mv  swift  soul  o'ertake  mv  slaughter'd  friend. 

Ah  no!  Achilles  meets  a  shameful  fate. 

Oh  how  unworthy  of  the  brave  and  great! 

Like  some  vile  swain,  whom  on  a  rainy  day, 

Crossing  a  ford,  the  torrent  swee]is  away. 

An  unregarded  carcase  to  the  sea." 

Neptune  and  Pallas  haste  to  his  relief, 
And  thus  in  human  form  address'd  the  chief: 
The  power  of  ocean  first:  "Forbear  thy  fear, 
0  son  of  Peleus!  Lo,  thy  gods  appear! 
Behold!  from  Jove  descending  to  thy  aid. 
Propitious  Neptune,  and  the  blue-eyed  maid. 
Stay,  and  the  furious  flood  shall  cease  to  rave, 
'Tis  not  thy  fate  to  glut  his  angry  %vave. 
But  thou,  the  counsel  heaven  suggests,  attend! 
Nor  breathe  from  combat,  nor  thy  sword  suspend, 
Till  Troy  receive  her  flying  sons,  till  all 
Her  routed  squadrons  pant  behind  their  wall: 
Hector  alone  shall  stand  his  fatal  chance, 
And  Hector's  blood  shall  smoke  upon  thy  lance. 
Thine  is  the  glory  doom'd."     Thus  spake  the  gods: 
Then  swift  as(;en(ied  to  the  bright  abotles. 

Stung  with  new  ardor,  thus  by  heaven  impell'd. 
He  springs  impetuous,  and  invades  tlie  field: 
O'er  all  the  expanded  plain  the  waters  spread; 
Heaved  on  the  bounding  billows  danced  the  dead. 
Floating  'midst  scatter'd  arms;  while  casques  of  gold 
And  turn'(l-u[)  bucklers  glitter'd  as  they  roll'd. 
High  o'er  the  surging  tide,  by  leaps  and  bounds, 
lie  wades,  and  mounts;  the  parted  wave  resounds. 
Not  a  whole  river  stnjjs  the  hciivt's  course, 
While  Pallas  fills  him  with  iiuniorlal  f<jrce. 
With  equal  rage,  indignant  Xanthus  roars. 
And  lifts  his  billows,  and  o'orwhelms  his  shores. 

'I'hen  thus  to  Siniois:  "Haste,  my  brother  flood; 
And  check  this  mortal  that  controls  a  god; 
Our  bravest  heroes  else  shall  (piit  the  fight, 


470  THE  ILIAV. 

And  Ilion  tumble  from  her  towery  height. 
Call  then  thy  subject  streams,  and  bid  them  roar, 
From  all  thy  fountains  swell  thy  watery  store, 
With  broken  rocks,  and  with  a  load  of  dead, 
Charge  the  black  surge,  and  pour  it  on  his  head. 
Mark  how  resistless  through  the  floods  he  goes, 
And  boldly  bids  the  warring  gods  be  foes! 
But  nor  that  force,  nor  form  divine  to  sight. 
Shall  aught  avail  him,  if  our  rage  unite: 
Whelm 'd  under  our  dark  gulfs  those  arms  shall  lie, 
That  blaze  so  dreadful  in  each  Trojan  eye; 
And  deep  beneath  a  sandy  mountain  hurl'd. 
Immersed  remain  this  terror  of  the  world. 
Such  ponderous  ruin  shall  confound  the  place, 
No  Greeks  shall  e'er  his  perish'd  relics  grace. 
No  hand  his  bones  shall  gather,  or  inhume; 
These  his  cold  rites,  and  this  his  Avatery  tomb." 

He  said;  and  on  the  chief  descends  amain, 
Increased  with  gore,  and  swelling  with  the  slain. 
Then,  murmuring  from  his  beds,  he  boils,  he  raves, 
And  a  foam  whitens  on  the  purjile  waves: 
At  every  step,  before  Achilles  stood 
The  crimson  surge,  and  deluged  him  with  blood. 
Fear  touch'd  the  queen  of  heaven:  she  saw  dismay'd. 
She  call'd  aloud,  and  summon'd  Vulcan's  aid. 

"Rise  to  the  war!  the  insulting  flood  requires 
Thy  wasteful  arm!  assemble  all  tliy  fires! 
While  to  their  aid,  by  our  command  enjoin'd. 
Rush  the  swift  eastern  and  the  western  wind: 
These  from  old  ocean  at  my  word  shall  blow. 
Pour  the  red  torrent  on  the  watery  foe. 
Corses  and  arms  to  one  bright  ruin  turn. 
And  hissing  rivers  to  their  bottoms  burn. 
Co,  mighty  in  thy  rage!  display  thy  power, 
Drink  the  whole  flood,  the  crackling  trees  devour. 
Scorch  all  the  banks!  and  (till  our  voice  reclaim) 
Exert  the  unwearied  furies  of  the  flame!" 

The  power  ignipotont  her  word  obeys: 
Wide  o'er  the  plain  he  pours  the  boundless  blaze; 
At  once  consumes  the  dead,  and  dries  the  soil 
And  the  shrunk  waters  in  their  channel  boil. 
As  when  autumnal  Boreas  sweeps  the  sky, 
And  instant  blows  the  water'd  gardens  dry: 
So  look'd  the  field,  so  whiten'd  was  tlie  ground, 
Wiiile  Vulcan  breathed  the  fiery  blast  around. 


THE  ILIAD.  471 

Swift  on  the  sedgy  reeds  the  ruiu  preys; 
Along  the  margin  winds  the  running  blaze. 
The  trees  in  tianiing  r<iws  to  ashes  turn, 
The  flowering  lotos  and  the  tamarisk  burn, 
liroad  elm,  and  cypress  rising  in  a  spire; 
The  watery  Avillows  hiss  before  the  fire. 
Xow  glow  the  waves,  the  fishes  pant  for  breath, 
Tlie  eels  lie  twisting  in  the  pangs  of  death: 
Now  flounce  aloft,  now  dive  the  scaly  fry. 
Or,  gasping,  turn  their  bellies  to  the  sky. 
At  lengtii  the  river  rear'd  his  languid  head, 
And  thus,  short-panting,  to  the  god  lie  said: 

"Oh  Vulcan  I  oh!  what  power  resists  thy  might? 

I  faint,  I  sink,  unequal  to  the  fight 

I  yield Let  Ilion  fall;  if  fate  decree- 


Ah beml  no  more  thy  fiery  arms  on  mel" 

He  ceased;  wide  conflagration  blazing  round; 
The  bubbling  waters  yield  a  hissing  sound. 
As  when  the  flames  beneatli  a  cauldron  rise,* 
To  melt  the  fat  of  some  rich  sacrifice. 
Amid  the  fierce  embrace  of  circling  fires 
The  waters  foam,  the  heavy  smoke  aspires: 
So  boils  the  imprison'd  flood,  forbid  to  flow, 
And  choked  with  vapors  feels  his  bottom  glow. 
To  Juno  then,  imperial  queen  of  air. 
The  burning  river  sends  his  earnest  prayer: 
*'Ah  why,  Saturnia;  must  thy  son  engage 
Me,  only  me,  witli  all  his  wasteful  rage? 
On  other  gods  his  dreadful  arm  employ, 
For  mightier  gods  assert  the  cause  of  Troy. 
Submissive  I  desist,  if  thou  command; 
Hut  ah  I  withdraw  this  all-destroying  hand, 
ifear  then  my  solemn  oath,  to  yield  to  fate 
ITnaidcd  Ilion,  and  her  destined  state. 
Till  Greece  shall  gird  her  with  destructive  flame 
And  in  one  ruin  sink  the  'i'rojan  name." 

His  warm  entreaty  tou(;hM  Satiirnia's  ear: 
She  bade  the  ignipotent  his  rage  forbear. 
Recall  the  flame,  nor  in  n  mortal  cause 


•  Jienefith  a  rtililron. 

"  S<i,  wlieii  with  crackling  llnrnuH  u  caldron  fries, 
The  bubbling,'  waterH  from  tlie  bottom  rise. 
Above  till"  briniM  they  forri?  tb<'ir  (icry  way: 
Black  vapors  climb  aloft,  and  cloud  tlic  day." 

— Dryden'M  Virgil,  vii.  Oil. 


472  THE  ILTAD. 

Infest  a  god:  the  obedient  flame  withdraws: 
Again  the  branching  streams  begin  to  spread, 
And  soft  remurmnr  in  their  wonted  bed. 

While  these  by  Juno's  will  the  strife  resign, 
The  warring  gods  in  fierce  contention  join: 
Rekindling  rage  each  heavenly  breast  alarms: 
With  horrid  clangor  shock  the  ethereal  arms: 
Heaven  in  loud  thunder  bids  the  trumpet  sound; 
And  wide  beneath  them  groans  the  rending  ground. 
Jove,  as  his  sport,  the  dreadful  scene  descries. 
And  views  contending  gods  with  careless  eyes. 
The  power  of  battles  lifts  his  brazen  spear, 
And  first  assaults  the  radiant  queen  of  war: 

"What  moved  thy  madness,  thus  to  disunite 
Ethereal  minds,  and  mix  all  heaven  in  fight? 
What  wonder  this,  when  in  thy  frantic  mood 
Thou  drovest  a  mortal  to  insult  a  god? 
Thy  imjjious  hand  Tydides'  javelin  bore. 
And  madly  bathed  it  in  celestial  gore." 

He  spoke,  and  smote  the  long  resounding  shield, 
Which  bears  Jove's  thunder  on  its  dreadful  field: 
The  adamantine  asgis  of  her  sire. 
That  turns  the  glancing  bolt  and  forked  fire. 

Then  heaved  the  goddess  in  her  mighty  hand 
A  stone,  the  limit  of  the  neighboring  land, 
There  fix'd  from  eldest  times;  black,  craggy,  vast; 
This  at  the  heavenly  homicide  she  cast. 
Thundering  he  falls,  a  mass  of  monstrous  size: 
And  seven  broad  acres  covers  as  he  lies. 
The  stunning  stroke  his  stubborn  nerves  unbound: 
Loud  o'er  the  fields  his  ringing  arms  resound: 
The  scornful  dame  her  conquest  views  with  smiles. 
And,  glorying,  thus  the  prostrate  god  reviles: 

"Hast  thou  not  yet,  insatiate  fury!  known 
How  far  Minerva's  force  transcends  thy  own? 
Juno,  whom  thou  rebellious  darest  withstand. 
Corrects  thy  folly  thus  by  Pallas'  hand; 
Thus  meets  thy  broken  faith  with  just  disgrace, 
And  partial  aid  to  Troy's  perfidious  race." 

The  goddess  spoke,  and  turn'd  her  eyes  away. 
That,  beaming  round,  diffused  celestial  day. 
Jove's  Cyprian  daughter,  stooping  on  the  land. 
Lent  to  the  wounded  god  her  tender  hand: 
Slowly  he  rises,  scarcely  breathes  with  jiain. 
And,  j)i'opp'd  on  her  fair  arm,  forsakes  the  plain. 


THE  ILIAD.  473 

This  the  bright  empress  of  the  heavens  survey'd, 
And,  scoflBng,  thus  to  war's  victorious  maid: 

"Lo!  what  an  aid  on  Mars'  side  is  seen! 
The  smiles'  and  loves'  unconquerable  queen! 
Mark  with  what  insolence,  in  ojien  view. 
She  moves:  let  Pallas,  if  she  dares,  pursue." 

Minerva  smiling  heard,  the  pair  o'ertook, 
And  slightly  on  her  breast  the  wanton  strook: 
She,  unresisting,  fell  (her  spirits  fled); 
On  earth  together  lay  the  lovers  spread. 
"And  like  these  heroes  be  the  fate  of  all 
(Minerva  cries)  who  guard  the  Trojan  wall! 
To  Grecian  gods  such  let  the  Phrygian  be, 
So  dread,  so  fierce,  as  Venus  is  to  me; 
Then  from  the  loM'est  stone  shall  Troy  be  moved." 
Thus  she,  and  Juno  with  a  smile  approved. 

Meantime,  to  mix  in  more  than  mortal  fight, 
The  god  of  ocean  dares  the  god  of  light. 
"What  sloth  has  seized  us,  when  the  fields  around 
Eing  with  conflicting  powers,  and  heaven  returns  the 

sound? 
Shall,  ignominious,  we  with  shame  retire, 
No  deed  perform'd,  to  our  Olympian  sire? 
Come,  prove  thy  arm!  for  first  the  war  to  wage, 
Suits  not  my  greatness,  or  superior  age: 
Rash  as  thou  art  to  prop  the  Trojan  throne 
(Forgetful  of  my  wrongs,  and  of  thy  own), 
And  guard  the  race  of  proud  Laomedon! 
Hast  thou  forgot,  how,  at  the  monarch's  prayer. 
We  shared  the  lengthen'd  labors  of  a  year? 
Troy  walls  I  raised  (for  such  were  Jove's  commands). 
And  yon  proud  bulwarks  grew  beneath  my  hands: 
'J'hy  task  it  was  to  feed  the  bellowing  droves 
Along  fair  Ida's  vales  and  pendant  groves. 
Hut  when  tiie  circling  seasons  in  their  train 
lirought  back  the  gi'atcful  day  that  crown'd  our  pain. 
With  menace  stern  the  frauilliil  king  ilelie<l 
<Jur  latent  godhead,  and  the  prize  denied: 
^Mad  as  he  was,  he  threaten 'd  servile  Ijaiids, 
And  doom'd  us  exiles  far  in  barbarous  lands.* 

*  "  TliiH  tulf  of  t,li«  tfmiporary  scrvitiidc  oT  imrticiilar  f,'odH,  by 
ordtT  of  .Jovf,  fiH  n  )>iinishiiieiit  for  iiiislu'liavior,  rcitiirs  not  un- 
frecjuently  among  the  JncidenlH  of  the  Mythical  world. "---Orote, 
vol.  i.  p.  156. 


474  TEE  ILIAD. 

Incensed,  we  heavenward  fled  with  swiftest  wing, 
And  destined  vengeance  on  the  perjured  king. 
Dost  thou,  for  this,  aiiord  proud  Ilion  grace. 
And  not,  like  us,  infest  the  faithless  race; 
Like  us,  their  present,  future  sons  destroy, 
And  from  its  deep  foundations  heave  their  Troy?" 

Apollo  thus:  "To  combat  for  mankind 
111  suits  the  wisdom  of  celestial  mind; 
For  what  is  man?     Calamitous  by  birth, 
They  owe  their  life  and  nourishment  to  earth; 
Like  yearly  leaves,  that  now,  with  beauty  crowii'd, 
Smile  on  the  sun;  now,  wither  on  tiie  ground. 
To  their  own  hands  commit  the  frantic  scene, 
Nor  mix  immortals  in  a  cause  so  mean." 

Then  turns  his  face,  far-beaming  heavenly  fires, 
And  from  the  senior  power  submiss  retires: 
Him  thus  retreating,  Artemis  upbraids. 
The  quiver'd  huntress  of  the  sylvan  shades: 

"And  is  it  thus  the  youthful  Phoebus  flies, 
And  yields  to  ocean's  hoary  sire  the  prize? 
How  vain  that  martial  jjomp,  and  dreadful  show 
Of  pointed  arrows  and  the  silver  bow! 
Now  boast  no  more  in  yon  celestial  bower. 
Thy  force  can  match  the  great  earth-shaking  power." 

Silent  he  heard  the  queen  of  woods  upbraid: 
Not  so  Saturnia  bore  the  vaunting  maid; 
But  furious  thus:  "What  insolence  has  driven 
Thy  pride  to  face  the  majesty  of  heaven? 
What  though  by  Jove  the  female  plague  design'd, 
Fierce  to  tiie  feeble  race  of  womankind. 
The  wretched  matron  feels  thy  piercing  dart; 
Thy  sex's  tyrant,  with  a  tiger's  heart? 
What  though  tremeiulous  in  the  woodland  chase 
Thy  certain  arrows  pierce  the  savage  race? 
How  dares  thy  rashness  on  the  powers  divine 
Employ  those  arms,  or  match  thy  force  with  mine? 
Learn  hence,  no  more  unequal  war  to  wage — " 
She  said,  and  seized  her  wrists  with  eager  rage; 
These  in  her  left  hand  lock'd,  her  I'ight  untied 
The  bow,  the  quiver,  and  its  plumy  pride. 
About  her  temples  flies  the  busy  bow; 
Now  here,  now  there,  she  winds  lier  from  the  blow; 
The  scattering  arrows,  rattling  from  the  case, 
Drop  round,  and  idly  mark  the  dusty  ])lace. 
Swift  from  the  flekl  the  baffled  huntress  flies. 


THE  ILIAD.  475 

And  scarce  restrains  the  torrent  in  her  eyes: 
So,  when  tlie  falcon  wings  her  way  above, 
To  the  cleft  cavern  spee(1s  the  gentle  dove 
(Not  fated  yet  to  die);  there  safe  retreats, 
Yet  still  her  heart  against  the  marble  beats. 

To  her  Latona  hastes  with  tender  care; 
Whom  Hermes  viewing,  thus  declines  the  war: 
"How  shall  I  face  the  dame,  who  gives  delight 
To  him  whose  thunders  bhicken  heaven  with  night? 
Go,  matchless  goddess!  triumph  in  the  skies, 
And  boast  my  conquest,  while  I  yield  the  prize." 

He  spoke;  and  pass'd;  Latona,  stooping  low. 
Collects  the  scatter'd  shafts  and  fallen  bow, 
That,  glittering  on  the  dust,  lay  here  and  there 
Dishonor'd  relics  of  Diana's  war: 
Then  swift  pursued  her  to  her  blest  abode. 
Where,  all  confused,  she  sought  the  sovereign  god; 
Weeping,  she  grasp'd  his  knees:  the  ambrosial  vest 
Shook  with  her  sighs,  and  panted  on  her  breast. 

The  sire  superior  smiled,  and  bade  her  show 
What  heavenly  hand  liad  caused  his  daughter's  woe? 
Abash'd,  she  names  his  own  imperial  spouse; 
And  the  pale  crescent  fades  upon  her  brows. 

Thus  they  above:  while,  swiftly  gliding  down, 
Apollo  enters  Ilion's  sacred  town; 
The  guardian-god  now  trembled  for  her  wall. 
And  fear'd  the  Greeks,  though  fate  forbade  her  fall. 
Back  to  Olympus,  from  the  war's  alarms, 
Return  the  shining  bands  oi  gods  in  arms; 
Some  prouil  in  triumph,  sonio  with  rage  on  fire; 
And  take  their  thrones  around  the  ethereal  sire. 

Through   blood,  through   death,   Achilles   still    pro- 
coeds, 
O'er  slaughter'd  heroes,  and  o'er  rolling  steeds. 
As  when  avenging  (lames  with  fury  driven 
On  guilty  towns  exert  tlio  wrath  of  heaven; 
The  pale  inhabitants,  some  fall,  some  lly; 
And  the  red  vapors  piirpUs  all  the  sky: 
So  ragf'd  Achilles:  death  and  dire  dism;iv, 
And  toils,  and  terrors,  ilU'd  tiio  dreadful  day. 

High  on  a  turret  hoary  Priam  stands. 
And  marks  the  wasto  of  his  destructive  hands; 
Views,  from  his  arm,  tin;  Trojiins'  scatter'd  ilight, 
And  the  near  iicro  rising  on  his  sight! 
N'o  stop,  no  check,  no  aid!     With  feeble  pace. 


4^6  THE  ILIAD. 

And  settled  sorrow  on  his  aged  face, 

Fast  as  he  could,  he  sighing  quits  the  walls; 

And  thus  descending,  on  the  guards  he  calls: 

"You  to  whose  care  our  city-gates  belong, 
Set  wide  your  portals  to  the  flying  throng: 
For  lo!  he  comes,  with  unresisted  sway; 
He  conies,  and  desolation  marks  his  way! 
But  when  within  the  walls  our  troops  take  breath, 
Lock  fast  the  brazen  bars,  and  shut  out  death." 
Thus  charged  the  reverend  monarch:  wide  were  flung 
The  opening  folds;  the  sounding  hinges  rung. 
Phoebus  rush'd  forth,  the  flying  bands  to  meet; 
Struck  slaughter  back,  and  cover'd  the  retreat,  • 
On  heaps  the  Trojans  crowd  to  gain  the  gate. 
And  gladsome  see  their  last  escape  from  fate. 
Thither,  all  parch'd  with  thirst,  a  heartless  train, 
Hoary  with  dust,  they  beat  the  hollow  plain: 
And  gasping,  panting,  fainting,  labor  on 
With  heavier  strides,  that  lengthen  toward  the  town. 
Enraged  Achilles  follows  with  his  spear; 
Wild  with  revenge,  insatiable  of  war. 

Then  had  the  Greeks  eternal  praise  acquired, 
And  Troy  inglorious  to  her  walls  retired; 
But  he,  the  god  who  darts  ethereal  flame, 
Shot  down  to  save  her,  and  redeem  her  fame: 
To  young  Agenor  force  divine  he  gave 
(Antenor's  offspring,  haughty,  bold,  and  brave) 
In  aid  of  him,  beside  the  beech  he  sate, 
And  wrapt  in  clouds,  restrain'd  the  hand  of  fate. 
When  now  the  generous  youth  Achilles  spies, 
Thick  beats  his  heart,  the  troubled  motions  rise. 
(So,  ere  a  storm,  the  waters  heave  and  roll.) 
He  stops,  and  questions  tiius  his  mighty  soul: 

"What,  shall  I  fly  this  terror  of  the  plain! 
Like  others  fly,  and  be  like  others  slain? 
Vain  hope!  to  shun  him  by  the  self-same  road 
Yon  line  of  slaughter'd  Trojans  lately  trod. 
No:  with  the  common  heap  I  scorn  to  fall — 
What  if  they  pass'd  me  to  the  'J'rojan  wall, 
While  I  decline  to  yonder  path,  that  leads 
To  Ida's  forest  and  surrounding  shades? 
So  may  I  reach,  conceal'd,  the  cooling  flood, 
From  my  tired  body  wash  the  dirt  and  blood, 
As  soon  as  night  her  dusky  veil  extends, 
Keturn  in  safety  to  my  Trojan  friends. 


THE  ILIAD.  477 

What  if? But  wherefore  all  this  vain  dehate? 

Stand  I  to  doubt,  within  the  reacli  of  fate? 
Even  now  perhaps,  ere  yet  I  turn  the  wall, 
The  fierce  Achilles  sees  me,  and  I  fall: 
Such  is  his  swiftness,  'tis  in  vain  to  fl}'. 
And  such  his  valor,  that  who  stands  must  die. 
Howe'er  'tis  better,  fighting  for  the  state. 
Here,  and  in  public  view,  to  meet  my  fate. 
Yet  sure  he  too  is  mortal;  he  may  feel 
(Like  all  the  sons  of  earth)  the  force  of  steel. 
One  only  soul  informs  that  dreadful  frame: 
And  Jove's  sole  favor  gives  him  all  his  fame." 

He  said,  and  stood,  collected,  in  his  might; 
And  all  his  beating  bosom  claim'd  tlio  fight. 
So  from  some  deep-grown  wood  a  panther  starts, 
Eoused  from  his  thicket  by  a  storm  of  darts: 
Untaught  to  fear  or  fly,  he  hears  the  sounds 
Of  shouting  hunters,  and  of  clamorous  hounds; 
Though  struck,  though  wounded,  scarce  perceives  the 

pain. 
And  the  barb'd  javelin  stings  his  breast  in  vain: 
On  their  whole  war,  untamed,  the  savage  flies; 
And  tears  his  hunter,  or  beneath  him  dies. 
Not  less  resolved,  Antenor's  valiant  heir 
Confronts  Achilles,  and  awaits  the  war, 
Disdainful  of  retreat:  high  hold  l)cfore, 
His  shicdd  (a  broad  circumference)  he  bore; 
Then  gr;iceful  as  he  stood,  in  act  to  throw 
The  lifted  javelin,  thus  bespoke  the  foe: 

"How  proud  Achilles  ghtries  in  his  fame! 
Ami  hopes  this  day  to  sink  the  Trojan  name 
HiMieath  iier  ruins!     Know,  that  hojje  is  vain; 
A  thousand  woes,  a  thousand  toils  remain. 
i';ironts  and  children  our  just  arms  em[)loy, 
And  strong  and  many  arc  the  sons  of  Troy, 
(ireat  as  thou  art,  even  thou  may 'at  stain  with  gore 
These  IMirygian  fields,  and  press  a  foreign  shore." 

Ho  saiil:   with  maloliless  force,  the  javelin  flung 
Smote  oji  his  knee;  the  hollow  cuishes  rung 
I'tMieath  the  pointed  steel;  but  safe  from  harms 
He  stands  impassive  in  the  otliereal  arms. 
Then  fiercely  rushing  on  the  daring  foe, 
His  lifted  arm  prepares  the  fatal  bhjw: 
But,  je;iloiis  of  liis  fame,  Apollo  slirouds 
The  godlike  Trojan  in  a  veil  <tf  clouds. 


478  THE  ILIAD. 

Safe  from  pursnit,  and  shut  from  mortal  view, 

Dismiss'd  with  fame,  the  favor'd  yonth  withdrew. 

Meanwhile  the  god,  to  cover  their  escape, 

Assumes  Agenor's  habit,  voice  and  shape, 

Flies  from  the  furious  chief  in  this  disguise; 

The  furious  chief  still  follows  where  he  flies. 

Now  o'er  the  fields  they  stretch  with  lengthen'd  strides, 

Now  urge  the  course  where  swift  Scamander  glides: 

The  god,  now  distant  scarce  a  stride  before, 

Tempts  his  pursuit,  and  wheels  about  the  shore; 

While  all  the  flying  troops  their  speed  employ, 

Aud  pour  on  heaps  into  the  walls  of  Troy: 

No  stop,  no  stay;  no  thought  to  ask,  or  tell, 

AVho  'scaped  by  flight,  or  who  by  battle  fell. 

'Twas  tumult  all,  and  violence  of  flight; 

And  sudden  joy  confused,  and  niix'd  affright. 

Pale  Troy  against  Achilles  shuts  her  gate: 

And  nations  breathe,  deliver'd  from  their  fate. 


THE  ILIAD.  479 


BOOK   XXII. 

ARGUMENT. 

THE   DEATH   OF   HECTOR. 

The  Trojans  being  safe  within  the  walls,  Hector  only  stays  to 
oppose  Achilles.  Priam  is  struck  at  his  approach,  and  tries 
to  persuade  his  son  to  re-enter  the  town.  Hecuba  joins  her 
entreaties,  but  in  vain.  Hector  consults  within  himself 
what  measures  to  take;  but  at  the  advance  of  Achilles,  his 
resolution  fails  him,  and  he  tlies.  Achilles  pursues  him 
thrice  round  the  walls  of  Troy.  The  gods  debate  concern- 
ing the  fate  of  Hector;  at  length  Minerva  descends  to 
the  aid  of  Achilles.  She  deludes  Hector  in  the  shape  of 
Deiphobus;  he  stands  the  combat,  and  is  slain.  Achilles 
drags  the  dead  body  at  his  chariot  in  the  sight  of  Priam  and 
Hecuba.  Their  lamentations,  tears  and  despair.  Their  cries 
reach  the  ears  of  Andromache,  who,  ignorant  of  this,  was  re- 
tired into  the  inner  part  of  the  palace:  she  mounts  up  to  the 
walls  and  beholds  her  dead  Imsband.  She  swoons  at  the 
spectacle.     Her  excess  of  grief  and  lamentation. 

The  thirtieth  day  still  continues.     The  scene  lies  under  the 
walls,  and  on  the  battlements  of  Troy. 

Thl'S  to  their  bulwarks,  sinit  with  panic  fear, 
The  lienlod  Iliaiis  rush  like  driven  deer: 
There  safe  they  wipe  the  briny  dmpa  away, 
And  drown  jn  bowl.s  the  hibors  of  the  day. 
Close  to  the  walls,  a<Ivanriii^'  o'er  tlu*  Holds 
Beneath  one  roof  of  wcll-roinpactcid  shiehls, 
March,  bending  on,  the  (Jreoks'  embodied  powers, 
Far  atrot.fhin;^  in  the  shade  of  Trojan  towers. 
Great  Hector  sinpjly  .st:iy'd  :  chainM  down  by  fate, 
There  fix'd  he  stood  before  the  Sca-an  ^^ato;" 
Still  his  bold  arms  d(!f  (MTiiincfl  t  i  employ, 
The  (,'iiardian  still  of  lon^^-defendcd  Troy. 

,\p<iiio  now  to  tired  Acbillos  turns 
(The  power  confnssM  in  all  his  |,'lory  burns): 
",\.nd  what  (he  cries)  has  IVdous'  H<»n  iti  view, 
Willi  mortal  s|)f'e<i  a  godhead  to  jiursuc? 
For  not  to  thee  to  know  the  gods  is  given, 


480  THE  ILIAD. 

Unskill'd  to  trace  the  latent  marks  of  heaven. 
What  boots  thee  now,  tliat  Troy  forsook  the  plain? 
Vain  thy  past  labor,  and  thy  present  vain: 
Safe  in  their  walls  are  now  her  troops  bestow'd, 
While  here  thy  frantic  rage  attacks  a  god." 

The  chief  incensed — "Too  partial  god  of  day! 
To  check  my  conquests  in  tlie  middle  way: 
How  few  in  Ilion  else  had  refuge  found! 
What  gasping  numbers  now  had  bit  the  ground! 
Thou  robb'st  me  of  a  glory  justly  mine, 
Powerful  of  godhead,  and  of  fraud  divine: 
Mean  fame,  alas!  for  one  of  heavenly  strain, 
To  cheat  a  mortal  who  repines  in  vain." 

Then  to  the  city,  terrible  and  strong, 
With  high  and  haughty  steps  he  tower'd  along, 
So  the  proud  courser,  victor  of  the  prize, 
To  the  near  goal  with  double  ardor  flies. 
Him,  as  he  blazing  shot  across  the  field, 
The  careful  eyes  of  Priam  first  beheld. 
Not  half  so  dreadful  rises  to  the  sight,* 
Through  the  thick  gloom  of  some  tempestuous  night, 
Orion's  dog  (the  year  when  autumn  weighs), 
And  o'er  the  feebler  stars  exerts  his  rays; 
Terrific  glory!  for  his  burning  breath 
Taints  the  red  air  with  fevers,  plagues,  and  death. 
So  flamed  his  fiery  mail.     Then  wept  the  sage: 
He  strikes  his  reverend  head,  now  white  with  age; 
He  lifts  his  wither'd  arms;  obtests  the  skies; 
He  calls  his  much-loved  son  with  feeble  cries: 
The  son,  resolved  Achilles'  force  to  dare, 
Full  at  the  Scasan  gates  expects  the  war; 
While  the  sad  father  on  the  rampart  stands, 
And  thus  adjures  him  with  extended  hands: 

"Ah  stay  not,  stay  not!  guardless  and  alone; 
Hector!  my  loved,  my  dearest,  bravest  son! 
Methinks  already  I  behold  thee  slain, 
And  stretch'd  beneath  that  fury  of  the  plain. 
Implacable  Achilles!  might'st  thou  be 

*  Not  half  so  dreadful. 

"  On  the  other  side, 
Incensed  with  indignation,  Satan  stood 
Unterrified,  and  like  a  cotnet  burn'd, 
That  fires  the  length  of  Ophiuchus  huge 
In  the  arctic  sky,  and  from  Ijis  horrid  hair 
Shakes  pestilence  and  war." 

— "  Paradise  Lost,"  xi.  708. 


THE  ILIAD.  481 

To  all  the  gods  no  dearer  than  to  me! 

Thee,  vultures  wild  should  scatter  round  the  shore, 

And  bloody  dogs  grow  fiercer  from  thy  gore. 

TIow  many  valiant  sons  I  late  enjoy'd, 

Valiant  in  vain!  by  thy  cursed  arm  destroy'd: 

Or,  worse  tban  slaughter'd,  sold  in  distant  isles 

To  shameful  bondage,  and  unworthy  toils. 

Two,  while  I  speak,  my  eyes  in  vain  explore, 

Two  from  one  mother  sprung,  my  Polydore, 

And  loved  Lycaon;  now  perhaps  no  more! 

Oh!  if  in  yonder  hostile  camp  they  live, 

What  heaps  of  gold,  what  treasures  would  I  give! 

(Their  grandsire's  wealth,  by  right  of  birth  their  own, 

Consign'd  his  daughter  with  Lelegia's  throne.) 

But  if  (which  Heaven  forbid)  already  lost, 

All  pale  they  wander  on  the  Stygian  coast; 

What  sorrows  then  must  their  sad  mother  know, 

What  anguish  1?  unutterable  woe! 

Yet  less  that  anguish,  less  to  her,  to  me. 

Less  to  all  Troy,  if  not  deprived  of  thee. 

Yet  shun  Achilles!  enter  yet  the  wall; 

And  spare  thyself,  thy  father,  spare  us  all! 

Save  thy  dear  life;  or,  if  a  soul  so  brave 

Neglect  that  thought,  thy  dearer  glory  save. 

Pity,  while  yet  I  live,  these  silver  hairs; 

While  yet  thy  father  feels  the  woes  he  bears. 

Yet  cursed  witii  sense!  a  wretch,  whom  in  his  rage 

(All  trembling  on  the  verge  of  helpless  ago) 

Great  Jove  has  placed,  sad  spectacle  of  pain! 

The  bitter  dregs  of  fortune's  cu])  to  drain: 

To  nil  with  scenes  of  deatli  his  closing  eyes. 

And  number  all  his  days  by  miseries! 

My  heroes  slain,  my  bridal  bed  o'erturn'd, 

My  daughters  ravish'd,  and  my  city  burn'd, 

My  ble(!ding  infants  dash'd  against  the  Jloor; 

Tiiese  I  have  yet  to  see,  jierhaps  yet  morel 

Perhaps  even  I,  reserved  by  angry  fate, 

The  last  sad  relic  of  my  ruin'd  stale, 

(Dire  pomp  of  sovereign  wrotchodiicss!)  must  fall, 

And  stain  tluf  paveinejit  of  my  regal  hall; 

Where  fninisli'd  dogn,  late  guardians  (if  my  docir, 

Shall  lick  their  mangled  maslor's  Hpaller'd  gore. 

Vet  for  my  «on8  I  thank  ye,  gofjs!    tia  well; 

Well  have  tliey  porisliM,  for  in  light  they  fell. 

Who  dies  in  youth  and  vigor,  dies  the  best, 


483  THE  ILIAD. 

Struck  throngh  with  wounds,  all  honest  on  the  breast. 

But  when  the  fates,  in  fullness  of  their  rage, 

Spurn  the  hoar  head  of  unresisting  age, 

In  dust  the  reverend  lineaments  deform, 

And  pour  to  dogs  the  life-blood  scarcely  warm: 

This,  this  is  misery!  the  last,  the  worst. 

That  man  can  feel!  man,  fated  to  be  cursed!" 

He  said,  and  acting  what  no  words  could  say, 
Eent  from  his  head  the  silver  locks  away. 
With  him  the  mournful  mother  bears  a  dart; 
Yet  all  her  sorrows  turn  not  Hector's  heart. 
The  zone  unbraced,  her  bosom  she  display'd; 
And  thus,  fast-falling  the  salt  tears,  she  said: 

"Have  mercy  on  me,  0  my  son!  revere 
The  words  of  age;  attend  a  parent's  prayer! 
If  ever  thee  in  these  fond  arms  I  press'd. 
Or  still'd  thy  infant  clamors  at  this  breast; 
Ah  do  not  thus  our  helpless  years  forego, 
But,  by  our  walls  secured,  repel  the  foe. 
Against  his  rage  if  singly  thou  proceed, 
Should'st  thou  (but  Heaven  avert  it!)  should 'st  thou 

bleed. 
Nor  must  thy  corse  lie  honored  on  the  bier, 
Nor  spouse,  nor  mother,  grace  thee  with  a  tear! 
Far  from  our  pious  rites  those  dear  remains 
Must  feast  the  vultures  on  the  naked  plains." 

So  they,  while  down  their  cheeks  the  torrents  roll; 
But  fix'd  remains  the  purpose  of  his  soul; 
Eesolved  he  stands,  and  with  a  fiery  glance 
Expects  the  hero's  terrible  advance. 
So,  roll'd  up  in  his  den,  the  swelling  snake 
Beholds  the  traveller  approach  the  brake; 
When  fed  with  noxious  herbs  his  turgid  veins 
Have  gather'd  half  the  poisons  of  the  plains; 
He  burns,  he  stiffens  with  collected  ire, 
And  his  red  eyeballs  glare  with  living  fire. 
Beneath  a  turret,  on  his  shield  reclined. 
He  stood,  and  question'd  thus  his  mighty  mind  * 

"Where  lies  my  way?  to  enter  in  the  wall? 
Honor  and  shame  the  ungenerous  thought  recall: 
Shall  proud  Polydamas  before  the  gate 
Proclaim,  his  counsels  are  obeyed  too  late. 
Which  timely  follow'd  but  the  former  night, 

*  "And  thus  his  own  undaunted  mind  explores." — "  Paradise 
Lost,"  vi.   113. 


THE  ILIAD.  483 

What  numbers  had  beeu  saved  b}'  Hector's  flight? 

That  wise  advice  rejected  with  disdain, 

I  feel  my  folly  in  my  people  slain. 

Methiuks  my  suffering  country's  voice  I  hear,' 

But  most  her  worthless  sons  insult  my  ear, 

On  my  rash  courage  charge  the  chance  of  war, 

And  blame  those  virtues  which  they  cannot  share. 

No if  I  e'er  return,  return  I  must 

Glorious,  my  country's  terror  laid  in  dust: 

Or  if  I  perish,  let  her  see  me  fall 

In  field  at  least,  and  fighting  for  her  wall. 

And  yet  sappose  these  measures  I  forego. 

Approach  unarm'd,  and  parley  with  the  foe, 

The  warrior-shield,  the  helm,  and  lance,  lay  down. 

And  treat  on  terms  of  peace  to  save  the  town: 

The  wife  withheld,  the  treasure  ill-(]etain'd 

(Cause  of  the  war,  and  grievance  of  the  land) 

With  honorable  justice  to  restore: 

And  add  half  Ilion's  yet  remaining  store. 

Which  Troy  shall,  sworn,  produce;  that  injured  Greece 

May  share  our  wealth,  and  leave  our  walls  in  peace. 

But  why  this  thouglit?     Unarm'd  if  I  should  go. 

What  hope  of  mercy  from  this  vengeful  foe. 

But  woman-like  to  fall,  and  fall  without  a  blow? 

We  greet  not  here,  as  man  conversing  man, 

Met  at  an  oak,  or  journeying  o'er  a  plain; 

No  season  now  for  calm  familiar  talk. 

Like  youths  and  maidens  in  an  evening  walk: 

War  is  our  business,  but  to  whom  is  given 

To  die,  or  triumph,  that,  determine  Heaven!" 

Thus  pondering,  like  a  god  the  Greek  drew  nigh; 
His  dreailful  plumage  nodded  from  on  high; 
The  Pulian  javelin,  in  his  better  hand, 
Shot  trembling  rays  that  glitter'd  o'er  the  land; 
And  on  his  breast  the  beamy  splendor  shone. 
Like  Jove's  own  ligbtning,  o'er  the  rising  sun. 
As  Hector  sees,  unusual  terrors  rise, 
Struck  by  some  god,  ho  fears,  recedes,  and  flies. 
He  leaves  the  gates,  he  loaves  the  wall  beliind: 
Achilles  follows  like  the  winged  wind. 
Thus  at  the  panting  dove  a  falcon  flies 
(The  swiftest  racer  of  the  lifjuid  skies), 
Just  when  he  holds,  or  thinks  he  holds  his  prey, 
Obliquely  wheeling  through  the  aerial  way, 
With  open  beak  and  shrilling  cries  he  springs, 


484  THE  ILIAD. 

A.ud  aims  his  claws,  and  shoots  upon  his  wings: 
No  less  fore-right  the  rapid  chase  they  held, 
One  urged  by  fury,  one  by  fear  impell'd : 
Now  circling  round  the  walls  their  course  maintain, 
Where  the  high  watch-tower  overlooks  the  plain; 
Now  where  the  tig-trees  spread  their  umbrage  broad, 
(A  wider  compass),  smoke  along  the  road. 
Next  by  Scamander's  double  soiirce  they  bound, 
Where  two  famed  fountains  burst  the  parted  ground; 
This  hot  through  scorching  clefts  is  seen  to  rise, 
With  exhalations  streaming  to  the  skies; 
That  the  green  banks  in  summer's  heat  o'erflows, 
Like  crystal  clear,  and  cold  as  winter  snows: 
Each  gushing  fount  a  marble  cistern  fills, 
Wliose  polish 'd  bed  receives  the  falling  rills; 
Where  Trojan  dames  (ere  yet  alarm'd  by  Greece) 
Wasb'd  their  fair  garments  in  the  days  of  peace.* 
By  these  they  pass'd,  one  chasing,  one  in  flight 
-WThe  mighty  fled,  pursued  by  stronger  might): 
Swift  was  the  course;  no  vulgar  prize  they  play, 
No  vulgar  victim  must  reward  the  day 
(Such  as  in  races  crown  the  speedy  strife): 
The  prize  contended  was  great  Hector's  life. 
As  when  some  hero's  funerals  are  decreed 
In  grateful  honor  of  the  mighty  dead; 
Where  high  rewards  the  vigorous  youth  inflame 
(Some  golden  tripod,  or  some  lovely  dame) 
The  panting  coursers  swiftly  turn  the  goal, 
And  with  them  turns  the  raised  spectator's  soul: 
Thus  three  times  round  the  Trojan  wall  they  fly. 
The  gazing  gods  lean  forward  from  the  sky; 
To  whom,  while  eager  on  the  chase  they  look, 
The  sire  of  mortals  and  immortals  spoke: 

"Unworthy  sight!  the  man  beloved  of  heaven, 
Behold,  inglorious  round  yon  city  driven! 
My  heart  partakes  the  generous  Hector's  pain; 
Hector,  whose  zeal  whole  hecatombs  has  slain, 
Whose  grateful  fumes  the  gods  received  with  joy. 
From  Ida's  summits,  an:l  the  towers  of  Troy: 
Now  see  him  flying;  to  his  fears  resign'd, 
And  fate,  and  fierce  Achilles,  close  behind. 

*  The  example  of  Nausicaa,  in  the  Odyssey,  proves  tbat  the 
duties  of  the  laundry  were  not  thought  derogatory,  even  from 
the  dignity  of  a  princess,  in  the  heroic  times. 


TEE  ILIAD.  485 

Consult,  ye  powers  I  ('tis  worthy  your  debate) 
Whether  to  snatch  him  from  impending  fate, 
Or  let  him  bear,  bj  stern  Pelides  slain 
(Good  as  he  is),  the  lot  imposed  on  man." 

Then  Pallas  thus:  ''Shall  he  whose  vengeance  forms 
The  forky  bolt,  and  blackens  heaven  with  storms, 
Shall  he  prolong  one  Trojan's  forfeit  breath? 
A  man,  a  mortal,  pre-ordain'd  to  death! 
And  will  no  murnuirs  fill  the  courts  above? 
No  gods  indignant  blame  their  partial  Jove?" 

"Go  then  (return'd  the  sire)  without  delay, 
Exert  thy  will:  I  give  the  Fates  their  way. 
Swift  at  the  mandate  pleased  Tritonia  flies, 
And  stoops  impetuous  from  the  cleaving  skies. 

As  through  the  forest,  o'er  the  vale  and  lawn, 
The  well-breath'd  beagle  drives  the  flying  fawn, 
In  vain  he  tries  the  covert  of  the  brakes, 
Or  deep  beneath  tlie  trembling  thicket  shakes; 
Sure  of  the  vapor  in  tlie  tainted  dews, 
The  certain  hound  his  various  maze  pursues. 
Thus  step  by  step,  where'er  the  Trojan  wheel'd. 
There  swift  Achilles  compass'd  round  the  held. 
Oft  as  to  reach  the  Dardan  gates  he  bends. 
And  hopes  the  assistance  of  his  pitying  friends 
(Whose  showering  arrows,  as  he  coursed  below, 
From  the  high  turrets  might  oppress  the  foe), 
So  oft  Achilles  turns  him  to  the  plain: 
He  eyes  tiie  city,  but  he  eyes  in  vain. 
As  men  in  slumbers  seem  with  speedy  pace. 
One  to  pursue,  aiid  one  to  lead  the  chase, 
Their  sinking  limbs  the  fancied  course  forsake, 
Nor  this  can  fly,  nor  that  can  overtake; 
No  less  the  laboring  heroes  pant  and  strain: 
While  that  but  flies,  and  this  ])ursues  in  vain. 

What  god,  O  Muse,  assisted  Hector's  force 
With  fate  itself  so  long  to  hold  the  course? 
I'ho'lnis  it  was;  who,  in  his  latest  hour. 
Endued  liis  knees  with  strength,  his  nerves  with  power. 
And  great  Achilles,  l(;.st  some  (Jrijek's  advance 
Should  snatch  the  glory  from  his  lifted  lance, 
Sign'd  to  the  troops  to  yield  his  foe  the  way, 
And  leave  untouch'd  the  honors  of  the  day. 

•Jovo  lifts  the  golden  balances,  that  show 
The  fates  of  mortal  men,  ami  things  below: 
Hero  each  contending  hero's  lot  he  tries, 


486  THE  ILIAD. 

And  weighs,  with  equal  hand,  their  destinies. 
Low  sinks  the  scale  surcharged  with  Hector's  fate; 
Heavy  with  death  it  sinks,  and  hell  receives  the  weight. 

Then  Phcebus  left  him.     Fierce  Minerva  flies 
To  stern  Pelides,  and  triumphing,  cries: 
"0  loved  of  Jove!  this  day  our  labors  cease. 
And  conquest  blazes  with  full  beams  on  Greece. 
Great  Hector  falls;  that  Hector  famed  so  far, 
Drunk  with  renown,  insatiable  of  war, 
Falls  by  thy  hand,  and  mine!  nor  force,  nor  flight, 
Shall  more  avail  him,  nor  his  god  of  light. 
See,  where  in  vain  he  supplicates  above, 
Eoird  at  the  feet  of  unrelenting  Jove; 
Eest  here:  myself  will  lead  the  Trojan  on, 
And  urge  to  meet  the  fate  he  cannot  shun." 

Her  voice  divine  the  chief  with  joyful  mind 
Obey'd;  and  rested,  on  his  lance  reclined. 
While  like  Deiphobus  the  martial  dame 
(Her  face,  her  gesture,  and  her  arms  the  same), 
In  show  and  aid,  by  hapless  Hector's  side 
Approach'd,  and  greets  him  thus  with  voice  belied: 

"Too  long,  0  Hector!  have  I  borne  the  sight 
Of  this  distress,  and  sorrow'd  in  thy  flight: 
It  fits  us  now  a  noble  stand  to  make, 
And  here,  as  brothers,  equal  fates  partake." 

Then  he:  "0  prince!  allied  in  blood  and  fame, 
Dearer  than  all  that  own  a  brother's  name; 
Of  all  that  Hecuba  to  Priam  bore. 
Long  tried,  long  loved  :  much  loved,  but  honor'd  more 
Since  you,  of  all  our  numerous  race  alone 
Defend  my  life,  regardless  of  your  own." 

Again  the  goddess:  "Much  my  father's  prayer, 
And  much  my  mother's,  press'd  me  to  forbear: 
My  friends  embraced  my  knees,  adjured  my  stay, 
But  stronger  love  impell'd,  and  I  obey. 
Come  then,  the  glorious  conflict  let  us  try, 
Let  the  steel  sparkle,  and  the  javelin  fly; 
Or  let  us  stretch  Achilles  on  the  field. 
Or  to  his  arm  our  bloody  trophies  yield." 

Fraudful  she  said;  then  swiftly  march'd  before: 
The  Dardan  hero  shuns  his  foe  no  more. 
Sternly  they  met.     The  silence  Hector  broke: 
His  dreadful  plumage  nodded  as  he  spoke; 

"Enough,  0  son  of  Peleus!  Troy  has  view'd 
Her  walls  thrice  circled,  and  her  chief  pursued. 


THE  ILIAD.  487 

But  now  some  god  within  me  bids  me  try 
Tiiine,  or  my  fate:  I  kill  thee,  or  1  die. 
Yet  on  the  verge  of  buttle  let  us  stay, 
And  for  a  moment's  space  suspend  the  day; 
Let  Heaven's  high  powers  be  call'd  to  arbitrate 
The  just  conditions  of  this  stern  debate 
(Eternal  witnesses  of  all  below. 
And  faithful  guardians  of  the  treasured  vow)! 
To  them  I  swear;  if,  victor  in  the  strife, 
Jove  by  these  hands  shall  slied  thy  noble  life, 
No  vile  dishonor  shall  thy  corse  pursue; 
Stripp'd  of  its  arms  alone  (the  conqueror's  due) 
The  rest  to  Greece  uninjured  I'll  restore: 
Now  plight  thy  mutual  oath,  I  ask  no  more." 

"Talk  not  of  oaths  (the  dreadful  chief  replies, 
While  anger  flash'd  from  his  disdainful  eyes). 
Detested  as  thou  art,  and  ought  to.  be, 
Nor  oath  nor  pact  Achilles  plights  with  thee: 
Such  pacts  as  iambs  and  rabid  wolves  combine, 
Such  leagues  as  men  and  furious  lions  join. 
To  such  I  call  the  gods!  one  constant  state 
Of  lasting  rancor  and  eternal  hate: 
No  thought  but  rage,  and  never-ceasing  strife. 
Till  death  extinguish  rage,  and  thought,  and  life. 
Rouse  then  my  forces  this  important  hour, 
Collect  thy  soul,  and  call  forth  all  thy  i)o\ver. 
No  further  subterfuge,  no  further  chance; 
'Tis  Pallas,  Pallas  gives  thee  to  my  lance. 
Each  Grecian  ghost,  by  tluu;  deprived  of  breath, 
Now  hovers  round,  and  calls  thee  to  thy  death." 

lie  spoke,  and  launch'd  his  javelin  at  the  foe; 
Hut  Hector  shunn'd  the  meditated  blow: 
He  stoop'd,  while  o'er  liis  head  the  Hying  spear 
Sang  innocent,  ami  s|w!nt  its  force  in  air. 
Minerva  watchM  it  falling  on  the  land. 
Then  drew,  and  gave  to  great  Ai-hilles'  hand, 
Unseen  of  lIe<;lor,  who,  elate  with  joy, 
Now  shakes  his  lance,  and  braves  the  dread  of  Troy. 

"The  life  you  boasted  to  that  javelin  given, 
I'rinco!  you  have  miss'd.     .My  fato  difpcMids  on  IK-aven. 
To  thee,  prcsum[)tuou8  as  thou  art,  unknown, 
Or  what  must  prove  my  fortune,  or  thy  own. 
Hoasting  is  but  an  art,  our  fnurs  to  blind, 
And  with  false  terrors  sink  another's  mind. 
But  know,  whatever  fate  I  am  to  try, 


488  THE  ILIAD. 

By  no  dishonest  wound  shall  Hector  die. 

I  shall  not  fall  a  fugitive  at  least, 

My  soul  shall  bravely  issue  from  my  breast. 

But  first,  try  thou  my  arm;  and  may  this  dart 

End  all  my  country's  woes,  deep  buried  m  thy  heart.' 

The  weapon  flew,  its  course  unerring  held, 
Unerring,  but  the  heavenly  shield  repell'd 
The  mortal  dart;  resulting  with  a  bound 
From  off  the  ringing  orb  it  struck  the  ground. 
Hector  beheld  his  javelin  fall  in  vain, 
Nor  other  lance,  nor  other  hope  remain; 
He  calls  DeTphobus,  demands  a  spear — • 
In  vain,  for  no  Deiphobus  was  there. 
All  comfortless  he  stands:  theu,  with  a  sigh: 
"  'Tis  so — Heaven  wills  it,  and  my  hour  is  nigh! 
I  deem'd  Deiphobus  had  heard  my  call, 
But  he  secure  lies  guarded  in  the  wall. 
A  god  deceived  me;  Pallas,  'twas  thy  deed. 
Death  and  black  fate  approach!  'tis  I  must  bleed. 
No  refuge  now,  no  succor  from  above. 
Great  Jove  deserts  me,  and  the  sou  of  Jove, 
Propitious  once,  and  kind!     Then  welcome  fate! 
'Tis  true  I  perish,  yet  I  perish  great: 
Yet  in  a  mighty  deed  I  shall  expire, 
Let  future  ages  hear  it,  and  admire!" 

Fierce,  at  the  word,  his  weighty  sword  he  drew, 
And,  all  collected,  on  Achilles  flew. 
So  Jove's  bold  bird,  high  balanced  in  the  air, 
Stoops  from  the  clouds  to  truss  the  quivering  hare. 
Nor  less  Acliilles  his  fierce  soul  prepares: 
Before  his  breast  the  flaming  shield  he  bears. 
Eefulgent  orb!  above  his  fourfold  cone 
The  gilded  horse-hair  sparkled  in  the  sun. 
Nodding  at  every  step  (Vulcanian  frame!): 
And  as  he  moved,  his  figure  seem'd  on  flame. 
As  radiant  Hesper  shines  with  keener  light,* 
Far-beaming  o'er  the  silver  host  of  night. 
When  all  the  starry  train  emblaze  the  sphere: 
So  shone  the  point  of  great  Achilles'  spear. 
In  his  right  hand  he  waves  the  weapon  round, 
Eyes  the  whole  man,  and  meditates  the  wound; 

*  Hesper  shines  with  keener  light. 

"  Fairest  of  stars,  last  in  the  train  of  night. 
If  better  thou  belong  not  to  the  dawn." 

—"Paradise  Lost,"  v,  160. 


THE  ILIAD.  489 

But  the  rich  mail  Patroclns  lately  wore 
Secnrelv  cased  the  warrior's  bodv  o'er. 
One  space  at  length  he  spies,  to  let  in  fate, 
Where  'twixt  the  neck  and  throat  the  jointed  plate 
Gave  entrance:  through  that  penetrable  part 
Furious  he  drove  the  well-directed  dart: 
Nor  pierced  the  windpipe  yet,  nor  took  the  power 
Of  speech,  unhappy!  from  thy  dying  hour. 
Prone  on  the  field  the  bleeding  warrior  lies, 
While,  thus  triumphing,  stern  Achilles  cries: 

"At  last  is  Hector  stretch  d  upon  the  plain. 
Who  fear'd  no  vengeance  for  Patroclus  slain: 
Then,  prince!  you  should  have  fear'd  what  now  you 

feel; 
Achilles  absent  was  Achilles  still: 
Yet  a  short  space  the  great  avenger  stayed, 
Then  low  in  dust  thy  strength  and  glory  laid. 
Peaceful  he  sleeps,  with  all  our  rites  adorn'd. 
Forever  honor'd,  and  forever  mourn'd: 
While  cast  to  all  the  rage  of  hostile  power. 
Thee  birds  shall  mangle,  and  the  gods  devour." 

Then  Hector,  fainting  at  the  approacii  of  death: 
**I3y  thy  own  soul!  by  those  who  gave  thee  breath! 
By  all  the  sacred  prevalence  of  prayer; 
Ah,  leave  me  not  for  Grecian  dogs  to  tear! 
The  common  rites  of  sepulture  bestow. 
To  soothe  a  father's  ami  a  mother's  woe: 
Lot  their  large  gifts  })rocure  an  urn  at  least, 
And  Hector's  ashes  in  his  country  rest." 

"No,  wretch  accursed!  relentless  he  replies 
(Flamesi,  as  he  spoke,  shot  flashing  from  his  eyes); 
Not  those  wiirj  gave  me  bieatii  should  hid  mo  spare. 
Nor  all  the  sacred  prevalence  of  prayer. 
Gould  I  myself  the  bloody  han(|uet  join! 
No — to  the  rlogs  that  carcase  1  resign. 
Should  Troy,  to  bribe  me,  bring  forth  all  her  store, 
And  giving  tlioMsandH,  olTcr  thousands  more; 
Should  ihirdan  Priam,  and  his  we(']iing  dame. 
Drain  their  whole  realm  to  buy  one  funeral  llame: 
Their  Hector  on  the  j)ilo  they  should  not  see, 
Nor  rob  the  vultures  of  oni'  limb  of  thee." 

Then  thus  tlie  chief  his  dying  acf:enls  drew: 
"Thy  rage,  implacable!  too  well  1  knew: 
The  Furies  that  relentless  breast  have  steel'd. 
And  cursed  thee  with  a  lieait  t bat  cjumot  vjejd. 


490  TEE  ILIAD. 

Yet  think,  a  clay  will  come,  when  fate's  decree 
And  angry  gods  shall  wreak  this  wrong  on  thee; 
Phoebus  and  Paris  shall  avenge  my  fate, 
And  stretch  thee  here  before  the  Scsean  gate."* 

He    ceased.     Tbe    Fates    suppress'd     his    laboring 
breath, 
And  his  eyes  stiffen'd  at  the  hand  of  death; 
To  the  dark  realm  the  spirit  wings  its  way 
(The  manly  body  left  a  load  of  clay). 
And  plaintive  glides  along  the  dreary  coast, 
A  naked,  wandering,  melancholy  ghost! 

Achilles,  mnsing  as  he  roll'd  his  eyes 
O'er  the  dead  hero,  thus  unheard,  replies: 
"Die  thou  the  first!     When  Jove  and  heaven 
I  follow  thee." — He  said,  and  stripp'd  the  slain. 
Then  forcing  backward  from  the  gaping  wound 
The  reeking  javelin,  cast  it  on  the  ground. 
The  thronging  Greeks  behold  with  wondering  eyes 
His  manly  beauty  and  superior  size; 
While  some,  ignobler,  the  great  dead  deface 
With  wounds  ungenerous,  or  with  taunts  disgrace. 

"How  changed  that  Hector,  who  like  Jove  of  late 
Sent  lightning  on  our  fleets,  and  scatter'd  fate!" 

High  o'er  the  slain  the  great  Achilles  stands, 
Begirt  with  heroes  and  surrounding  bands; 
And  thus  aloud,  while  all  the  host  attends: 
"Princes  and  leaders!  countrymen  and  friends! 
Since  now  at  length  the  powerful  will  of  heaven 
The  dire  destroyer  to  our  arm  has  given. 
Is  not  Troy  fallen  already?     Haste,  ye  powers! 
See,  if  already  their  deserted  towers 
Are  left  unmann'd;  or  if  they  yet  retain 
The  souls  of  heroes,  their  great  Hector  slain. 
But  what  is  Troy,  or  glory  what  to  me? 
Or  why  reflects  my  mind  on  aught  but  thee, 
Divine  Patroclus!     Death  hath  seal'd  his  eyes; 
Unwept,  unhonor'd,  uninterr'd  he  lies! 

*  Sucli  was  liis  fate.  After  chasing  tbe  Trojans  into  tlie  town, 
lie  was  slain  by  an  arrow  from  the  quiver  of  Paris,  directed  under 
the  unerring  auspices  of  Apollo.  The  greatest  efforts  were  made 
by  the  Trojans  to  possess  themselves  of  the  body,  which  was 
however  rescued  and  borne  off  to  the  (^trecian  camp  by  the  valor 
of  Ajax  and  Ulysses.  Thetis  stole  away  the  body,  just  as  the 
Greeks  were  about  to  burn  it  with  funeral  honors,  and  conveyed 
it  away  to  a  renewed  life  of  immortality  in  the  isle  of  Leuky  in 
the  Euxine. 


THE  ILIAD.  4yi 

Can  his  dear  image  from  my  sonl  depart, 

Long  as  the  vital  spirit  moves  my  heart? 

If  in  the  melanchioly  shades  below, 

The  flames  of  friends  and  lovers  ceasQ  to  glow, 

Yet  mine  shall  sacred  last;  mine,  undecay'd, 

Burn  on  through  death,  and  animate  my  shade. 

Meanwhile,  ye  sons  of  Greece,  in  triumph  bring, 

The  corpse  of  Hector,  and  your  paeans  sing. 

Be  this  the  song,  slow-moving  toward  the  shore, 

"Ilector  is  dead,  and  llion  is  no  more." 

Then  his  fell  soul  a  thought  of  vengeance  bred 
(Unworthy  of  himself,  and  of  the  dead); 
The  nervous  ancles  bored,  his  feet  he  bound 
With  thongs  inserted  through  the  double  wound; 
These  fix'd  up  high  behind  the  rolling  wain, 
His  graceful  head  was  trail'd  along  the  plain. 
Proud  on  his  car  the  insulting  victor  stood. 
And  bore  aloft  his  arms,  distilling  blood. 
He  smites  the  steeds;  the  rapid  chariot  flies; 
The  sudden  clouds  of  circling  dust  arise. 
Now  lost  is  all  that  formidable  air; 
The  face  divine,  and  long-descending  hair, 
Purple  the  ground,  and  streak  the  sable  sand; 
Deform'd,  dishonor'd,  in  his  native  land, 
Given  to  the  rage  of  an  insulting  throng. 
And,  in  his  parents'  sight,  now  dragg'd  alongl 

The  mother  first  beheld  with  sad  survey; 
She  rent  her  tresses,  venerable  gray. 
And  cast,  far  off,  the  regal  veils  away. 
With  piercing  shrieks  his  bitter  fate  she  moans, 
While  the  sad  father  answers  groans  with  groans. 
Tears  after  tears  his  mournful  cheeks  o'erflow, 
And  the  whole  city  wears  one  face  of  woe: 
No  less  than  if  the  rage  of  hostile  fires, 
From  her  foundations  curling  to  her  spires. 
O'er  the  proud  citadel  at  length  should  rise, 
And  the  last  Iflazo  send  llion  to  the  skies. 
The  wrotoheil  nidnarch  of  the  falling  state, 
J)istractod,  presses  to  the  Dardan  gate. 
(Scarce  the  whole  people  stop  his  (losjierato  course, 
While  strong  affliction  gives  the  fdoblo  force: 
Grief  tears  liis  lieart,  and  <lriv(;s  iiim  to  and  fro, 
In  all  the  raging  impotence  of  W(je. 
At  length  ho  roU'd  in  dust,  and  thus  begun, 
Imploring  all,  antl  naming  one  by  one: 
"Ah!  lot  mo,  lot  mo  go  where  sorrow  calls; 


492  THE  ILIAD. 

I,  only  I,  will  issne  from  your  walls 

(Gnide  or  companion,  friends!  I  ask  ye  none), 

And  bow  before  the  murderer  of  my  sou. 

My  grief  perhaps  his  pity  may  engage; 

Perhaps  at  least  he  may  respect  my  age. 

He  has  a  father  too;  a  man  like  me; 

One,  not  exempt  from  age  and  misery 

(Vigorous  no  more,  as  when  his  young  embrace 

Begot  this  pest  of  me,  and  all  my  race). 

How  many  valiant  sons,  iu  early  bloom. 

Has  that  cursed  hand  sent  headlong  to  the  tomb! 

Thee,  Hector!  last:  thy  loss  (divinely  brave) 

Sinks  my  sad  soul  with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

0  had  thy  gentle  spirit  pass'd  in  peace. 

The  son  expiring  in  the  sire's  embrace, 

While  both  thy  parents  wept  the  fatal  hour, 

And,  bending  o'er  thee,  mix'd  the  tender  shower! 

Some  comfort  that  had  been,  some  sad  relief, 

To  melt  in  full  satiety  of  grief!" 

Thus  wail'd  the  father,  groveling  on  the  ground, 
And  all  the  eyes  of  Ilion  stream'd  around. 

Amidst  her  matrons  Hecuba  appears 
(A  mourning  princess,  and  a  train  in  tears); 
"Ah  why  has  Heaven  prolong'd  this  hated  breath, 
Patient  of  horrors,  to  behold  thy  death? 
0  Hector!  late  thy  parents'  pride  and  joy. 
The  boast  of  nations!  the  defence  of  Troy! 
To  whom  her  safety  and  her  fame  she  owed; 
Her  chief,  her  hero,  and  almost  her  god! 
0  fatal  change!  become  in  one  sad  day 
A  senseless  corse!  inanimated  clay!" 

But  not  as  yet  the  fatal  news  had  spread 
To  fair  Andromache,  of  Hector  dead; 
As  yet  no  messenger  had  told  his  fate, 
Not  e'en  his  stay  without  the  Seaman  gate. 
Far  in  the  close  recesses  of  the  dome. 
Pensive  she  plied  the  melancholy  loom; 
A  growing  work  employ'd  her  secret  hours. 
Confusedly  gay  with  intermingled  flowers. 
Her  fair-hair'd  handmaids  heat  the  brazen  urn, 
The  bath  preparing  for  her  lord's  return 
In  vain,  alas!  her  lord  returns  no  more; 
Unbathed  he  lies,  and  bleeds  along  the  shore! 
Now  from  the  walls  the  clamors  reach  her  ear, 
And  all  her  members  shake  with  sudden  fear: 


THE  ILIAD.  493 

Forth  from  her  ivory  haud  the  shuttle  falls, 
And  thus,  astonish'd,  to  her  maids  she  calls: 

"Ah  follow  nie!  (slie  cried)  what  plaintive  noise 
Invades  my  ear?     'Tis  sure  my  mother's  voice. 
My  faltering  knees  their  trembling  frame  desert, 
A  pnlse  unusual  flutters  at  my  heart; 
Some  strange  disaster,  some  reverse  of  fate 
(Ye  gods  avert  it!)  threats  the  Trojan  state. 
Far  be  the  omen  which  my  thoughts  suggest! 
But  much  1  fear  my  Hector's  dauntless  breast 
Confronts  Achilles;  chased  along  the  plain, 
Shut  from  our  walls!  I  fear,  I  fear  him  slain! 
Safe  in  the  crowd  he  ever  scorn'd  to  wait. 
And  sought  for  glory  in  the  jaws  of  fate: 
Perhaps  that  noble  heat  has  cost  his  breath. 
Now  quench'd  forever  in  the  arms  of  death." 

She  spoke:  and  furious,  with  distracted  pace. 
Fears  in  her  heart,  and  anguish  in  her  face, 
Flies  tlirough  the  dome  (the  maids  her  steps  pursue), 
And  mounts  the  walls,  and  sends  around  her  view. 
Too  soon  her  eyes  the  killing  object  found. 
The  godlike  Hector  dragg'd  along  the  ground. 
A  sudden  darkness  shades  her  swimming  eyes: 
She  faints,  she  falls;  her  breath,  her  color  flies. 
Her  hair's  fair  ornaments,  the  Ijiaids  that  bound, 
The  net  that  held  tiiem,  and  the  wreath  that  crown'd. 
The  veil  and  diadem  flew  f.ir  away 
.(The  gift  of  \'enus  on  her  bridal  day). 
Around  a  train  of  weeping  sisters  stands. 
To  raise  her  sinking  with  assistant  hands. 
Scarce  from  the  verge  (jf  death  recall'd,  again 
She  faints,  or  but  recovers  to  complain. 

"0  wretched  husband  of  a  wretched  wife! 
Born  with  one  fate,  to  one  uniiapjiy  life! 
For  sure  one  star  its  baneful  bi-am  display'd 
On  Priam's  roof,  and  Hippoplacia's  shade. 
P'rom  ditlerent  parents,  dilT(!rent  climes  wo  came, 
At  different  periods,  yet  our  fate  the  same! 
Why  was  my  birtii  to  great  Ac-tion  owed. 
And  why  was  all  that  tender  care  bestow'd? 
Would  I  had  never  \u>v,u\ — <)  thou,  the  ghost 
(Jf  my  dead  husband!  miscraljly  lost! 
Thou  to  tho  dismal  realms  forever  gone! 
And  I  abandon'd,  d(;Holat(?,  alone! 
An  only  child,  once  comfort  of  my  pains, 
Sad  product  now  of  hapless  love,  roniains! 


494  THE  ILIAD. 

No  more  to  smile  upon  his  sire;  no  friend 

To  help  him  now!  no  father  to  defend! 

For  should  he  'scape  the  sword,  the  common  doom, 

What  wrongs  attend  him,  and  what  griefs  to  come! 

Even  from  his  own  paternal  roof  expell'd. 

Some  stranger  ploughs  his  patrimonial  field. 

The  day,  that  to  the  shades  the  father  sends, 

Eobs  the  sad  orphan  of  his  father's  friends: 

He,  wretched  outcast  of  mankind!  appears 

Forever  sad,  forever  bathed  in  tears; 

Amongst  the  happy,  unregarded,  he 

Hangs  on  the  robe,  or  trembles  at  the  knee, 

While  those  his  father's  former  bounty  fed, 

Nor  reach  the  goblet,  nor  divide  the  bread: 

The  kindest  but  his  present  wants  allay, 

To  leave  him  wretched  the  succeeding  day. 

Frugal  compassion!     Heedless,  they  who  boast 

Both  parents  still,  nor  feel  what  he  has  lost. 

Shall  cry,  'Begone!  thy  father  feasts  not  here:' 

The  wretch  obeys,  retiring  with  a  tear. 

Thus  wretched,  thus  retiring  all  in  tears, 

To  my  sad  soul  Astyanax  appears! 

Forced  by  repeated  insults  to  return. 

And  to  his  widow'd  mother  vainly  mourn: 

He,  who,  with  tender  delicacy  bred. 

With  princes  sported,  and  on  dainties  fed. 

And  when  still  evening  gave  him  up  to  rest, 

Sunk  soft  in  down  upon  the  nurse's  breast. 

Must — ah  what  must  he  not?     Whom  Ilion  calls 

Astyanax,  from  her  well-guarded  walls,* 

Is  now  that  name  no  more,  unhappy  boy! 

Since  now  no  more  thy  father  guards  his  Troy. 

But  thou,  my  Hector,  liest  exposed  in  air. 

Far  from  thy  parents'  and  thy  consort's  care; 

Whose  hand  in  vain,  directed  by  her  love. 

The  martial  scarf  and  robe  of  triumph  wove. 

Now  to  devouring  flames  be  these  a  prey, 

Useless  to  thee,  from  this  accursed  day! 

Yet  let  the  sacrifice  at  least  be  paid. 

An  honor  to  the  living,  not  the  dead!" 

So  spake  the  mournful  dame:  her  matrons  hear. 
Sigh  back  her  sighs,  and  answer  tear  with  tear. 

*  Astyanax,  i.  e.  the  city-kincj  or  guardian.  It  is  amusing  that 
Plato,  who  often  finds  fault  with  Homer  without  reason,  should 
have  copied  this  twaddling  etymology  into  his  Cratylus. 


THE  ILIAD.    '  495 


BOOK    XXIII. 

ARGUMENT. 

FUNEKAL  GAMES  IN   HONOR  OF  PATROCLUS.* 

Achilles  and  the  Myrmidons  do  honors  to  the  body  of  Patroclus. 
After  the  funeral  feast  he  retires  to  the  seashore,  where, 
falling  asleep,  the  ghost  of  his  friend  appears  to  him,  and 
demands  the  rites  of  burial;  the  next  moruiug  the  soldiers 
are  sent  with  mules  and  wagons  to  fetch  wood  for  the  pyre. 
The  funeral  procession,  and  the  offering  their  hair  to  the 
dead.  Achilles  sacrifices  several  animals,  and  lastly  twelve 
Trojan  captives,  at  the  pile;  then  sets  fire  to  it.  He  pays 
libations  to  the  Winds,  which  (at  the  instance  of  Iris)  rise, 
and  raise  the  flames.  When  the  pile  has  burned  all  night, 
they  gather  the  bones,  place  them  in  an  urn  of  gold,  and 
raise  the  tomb.  Achilles  institutes  the  funeral  games:  the 
chariot-race,  the  fight  of  the  cajstus,  the  wre.stling,  the  foot- 
race, the  single  combat,  the  discus,  the  shooting  with  arrows, 
the  darting  the  javelin:  the  various  de.scriptions  of  which, 
and  the  various  success  of  the  several  antagonists,  make  the 
greatest  part  of  the  book. 

In  this  book  ends  the  thirtieth  day.  The  night  following, 
the  ghost  of  Patroclus  appears  to  Achilles:  the  one-and- 
thirtieth  day  is  employed  in  felling  the  timber  for  the  pile: 
the  two-and-thirtieth  in  burning  it;  and  the  three-and- 
thirtieth  in  the  games.  The  scene  is  generally  on  the  sea- 
bhure. 

Thus  humbled  in  tho  dii.st,  tlio  pensive  train 
Through  tlie  sad  city  niowrn'd  h(!r  l)ero  shiin. 
The  body  soil'd  with  dust,  and  bhick  wit!)  gore, 
Lies  on  broad  Ilcdlospont's  rcsonndin;,'  shore. 
The  Grecians  seek  tlioir  ships,  and  clear  tho  atrund, 
All,  bnt  the  martial  Myrmidonian  hand: 
Those  yet  assemliled  great  Achilles  holds. 
And  tho  storn  purpose  of  liis  luiud  unfolds: 

•This  book  lias  been  closely  imitufed  by  Virgil  in  liis  fifth 
brK)k,  but  it  ia  almost  usele-sa  to  aiiempt  a  selection  of  i)a.ssages  for 
comparison. 


496  THE  ILIAD. 

"Not  yet,  my  hrare  companions  of  the  war, 
Release  your  smoking  coursers  from  the  car; 
But,  with  his  chariot  each  in  order  led, 
Perform  due  honors  to  Patrochis  dead. 
Ere  yet  from  rest  or  food  we  seek  relief, 
Some  rites  remain,  to  glut  our  rage  of  grief." 

The  troops  obey'd;  and  thrice  in  order  led* 
(Achilles  first)  their  coursers  round  the  dead; 
And  thrice  their  sorrows  and  laments  renew; 
Tears  bathe  their  arms,  and  tears  the  sands  bedew. 
For  such  a  warrior  Thetis  aids  their  woe. 
Melts  their  strong  hearts,  and  bids  their  eyes  to  flow 
But  chief,  Pelides:  thick-succeeding  sighs 
Burst  from  his  heart,  and  torrents  from  his  eyes: 
His  slaughtering  hands,  yet  red  with  blood,  he  laid 
On  his  dead  friend's  cold  breast,  and  thus  he  said: 

"All  hail,  Patroclus!  let  thy  honor'd  ghost 
Hear,  and  rejoice  on  Pluto's  dreary  coast; 
Behold!  Achilles'  promise  is  complete; 
The  bloody  Hector  stretch'd  before  thy  feet. 
Lo!  to  the  dogs  his  carcase  I  resign; 
And  twelve  sad  victims,  of  the  Trojan  line, 
Sacred  to  vengeance,  instant  shall  expire; 
Their  lives  effused  around  thy  funeral  pyre." 

Gloomy  he  said,  and  (horrible  to  view) 
Before  the  bier  the  bleeding  Hector  threw, 
Prone  on  the  dust.     TJie  Myrmidons  around 
Unbraced  their  armor,  and  the  steeds  unbound. 
All  to  Achilles'  sable  ship  repair. 
Frequent  and  full,  the  genial  feast  to  share. 
Now  from  the  well-fed  swine  black  smokes  aspire, 
The  bristly  victims  hissing  o'er  the  fire: 
The  huge  ox  bellowing  falls;  with  feebler  cries 
Expires  the  goat;  the  sheep  in  silence  dies. 
Around  the  hero's  prostrate  body  flow'd. 
In  one  promiscuous  stream,  the  reeking  blood. 
And  now  a  band  of  Argive  monarchs  brings 
The  glorious  victor  to  the  king  of  kings. 
From  his  dead  friend  the  pensive  warrior  went, 
With  steps  unwilling,  to  the  regal  tent. 
The  attending  heralds,  as  by  office  bound, 

*  Tkrice  in  order  led.  This  was  a  frequent  rite  at  funerals. 
The  Romans  liad  the  same  custom,  which  they  called  decvrsio. 
Plutarch  states  that  Alexander,  in  after  times,  renewed  these 
same  honors  to  the  memory  of  Achilles  himself. 


TEE  ILIAD.  497 

With  kindled  flames  the  tripod-vase  surround: 
To  cleanse  his  conquering  liands  from  hostile  gore, 
They  urged  in  vain;  the  chief  refused,  and  swore:* 

"No  drop  sliall  touch  me,  by  almighty  Jove! 
The  first  and  greatest  of  the  gods  above! 
Till  on  the  pyre  1  place  thee;  till  I  rear 
The  grassy  mound,  and  clip  thy  sacred  hair. 
Some  ease  at  least  those  pious  rites  nuiy  give, 
And  soothe  my  sorrows,  while  I  bear  to  live. 
Howe'er,  reluctant  as  I  am,  I  stay 
And  share  your  feast;  but  with  the  dawn  of  day, 
(0  king  of  men !)  it  claims  thy  royal  care, 
That  Greece  the  Avarrior's  funeral  pile  prepare, 
And  bid  the  forests  fall  (such  rites  are  paid 
To  heroes  slumbering  in  eternal  shade): 
Then,  when  his  earthly  part  shall  mount  in  fire, 
Let  the  leagued  squadrons  to  their  posts  retire." 

He  spoke:  tiiey  hear  him,  and  the  word  obey; 
The  rage  of  hunger  and  of  thirst  allay, 
Then  ease  in  sleep  the  labors  of  the  day. 
But  great  Pelides,  stretch'd  along  the  shore. 
Where  dash'd  on  rocks,  the  broken  billows  roar. 
Lies  inly  groaning;  while  on  either  hand 
The  martial  ^Myrmidons  confusedly  stand. 
Along  the  grass  his  languid  membei's  fall. 
Tired  with  his  chase  around  tlie  Trojan  wall; 
llush'd  by  the  murmurs  of  the  rolling  deep, 
At  length  ho  sinks  in  the  soft  arms  of  sleep, 
When  lol  the  shade,  bef(jre  his  closing  eyes, 
Of  sad  Patroelus  rose,  or  seem'd  to  rise: 
Li  the  same  robe  he  living  wore,  he  came: 
Li  stature,  voice,  and  pleasing  look,  the  same. 
The  form  familiar  hovcr'd  o'er  his  head, 
"And  sleeps  Achilles?  (thus  the  phantom  said): 
Sleeps  my  Achilles,  his  Patroelus  dead? 
Living,  I  seom'd  his  dearest,  tondcrest  caro. 
But  now  forgot,  I  wander  in  the  air. 
Let  my  ])ale  corse  the  rites  of  burial  know, 
And  give  me  entrancx*  in  the  realms  below: 
Till  tlu^n  the  spirit  linrls  no  restiiig-iilaco, 
But  here  and  there  tiio  unbodied  spectres  ciiaso 
The  vagrant  dead  around  the  dark  abode, 


*  And  mrftre.     Liternlly,  and  cnllffl  OrruH,  ibe  god  of  oallia,  to 
witne&s.     See  Buttmann,  l/«xilr)g,  |i.  V.W. 


498  TEE  ILIAD. 

Forbid  to  cross  the  irremeable  flood. 

Now  give  thy  hand;  for  to  the  farther  shore, 

When  once  we  pass,  the  soul  returns  no  more: 

When  once  the  last  funereal  flames  ascend, 

No  more  shall  meet  Achilles  and  his  friend; 

No  more  our  thoughts  to  those  we  loved  make  known; 

Or  quit  the  dearest,  to  converse  alone. 

Me  fate  has  sever'd  from  the  sons  of  earth, 

The  fate  fore-doom'd  that  waited  from  ray  birth: 

Thee  too  it  waits;  before  the  Trojan  wall 

Even  great  and  godlike  thou  art  doom'd  to  fall. 

Hear  then;  and  as  in  fate  and  love  we  join, 

Ah  suffer  that  my  bones  may  rest  with  thine! 

Together  have  we  lived;  together  bi'ed. 

One  house  received  us,  and  one  table  fed; 

That  golden  urn,  thy  goddess-mother  gave. 

May  mix  our  ashes  in  one  common  grave." 

"And  is  it  thou?  (he  answers)  To  my  sight* 
Once  more  return'st  thou  from  the  realms  of  night? 
0  more  than  brother!     Think  each  office  paid, 
Whate'er  can  rest  a  discontented  shade; 
But  grant  one  last  embrace,  unhappy  boy! 
Afford  at  least  that  melancholy  joy." 

He  said,  and  with  his  longing  arms  essay'd 
In  vain  to  grasp  the  visionary  shade! 
Like  a  thin  smoke  he  sees  the  spirit  fly,f 
And  hears  a  feeble,,  lamentable  cry. 
Confused  he  wakes;  amazement  breaks  the  bands 
Of  golden  sleep,  and  starting  from  the  sands. 
Pensive  he  muses  with  uplifted  hands: 

"  'Tis  true,  'tis  certain;  man,  though  dead,  retains 
Part  of  himself;  the  immortal  mind  remains: 

*  "  O,  long  expected  by  thy  friends!  from  wlience 
Art  tbou  so  late  return'd  for  our  defence? 
Do  we  behold  thee,  wearied  as  we  are 
With  length  of  labors,  and  with  toils  of  war  ? 
After  so  many  funerals  of  thy  own, 
Art  thou  restored  to  thy  declining  town  ? 
But  say,  what  wounds  are  these  ?  what  new  disgrace 
Deforms  the  manly  features  of  thy  face?" 

— Dryden,  xi.  369. 
f  Like  athin  smoke.     Virgil,  Georg.  iv.  73. 

"  In  vain  I  reach  my  feeble  hands  to  join 
In  sweet  embraces — ah!  no  longer  thine  ! 
She  said,  and  from  his  eyes  the  fleeting  fair 
Retired,  like  subtle  smoke  dissolved  in  air." 

— Dryden. 


THE  IL TAD.  499 

The  form  subsists  without  the  body's  aid, 
Aerial  semblance,  and  an  empty  shade  I 
This  night  my  friend,  so  late  in  battle  lost, 
Stood  at  my  side,  a  pensive,  })laintive  ghost: 
Even  now  familiar,  as  in  life,  he  came: 
Alas  I  how  different!  yet  how  like  the  same!" 

Thus  while  he  spoke,  each  eye  grew  big  with  tears: 
And  now  the  rosy-tinger'd  morn  apjiears, 
Shows  every  mournful  face  with  tears  o'erspread, 
And  glares  on  the  pale  visage  of  the  dead. 
But  Agamemnon,  as  the  rites  demand. 
With  mules  and  wagons  sends  a  chosen  band 
To  load  the  timber,  and  the  pile  to  rear; 
A  charge  consign'd  to  Merion's  faithful  care. 
With  proper  instruments  they  take  the  road, 
Axes  to  cut,  and  ropes  to  sling  the  load. 
First  march  the  heavy  mules,  securely  slow, 
O'er  hills,  o'er  dales,  o'er  crags,  o'er  rocks  they  go:* 
Jumping,  high  o'er  the  shrubs  of  the  rough  ground. 
Rattle  t!ie  clattering  cars,  and  theshock'd  axles  bound. 
But  when  arrived  at  Ida's  spreading  woods, f 
(Fair  Ida,  water'd  with  descending  Hoods), 
Louil  sounds  the  axe,  redoubling  strokes  on  strokes; 
On  all  sides  round  the  forest  hurls  her  oaks 
Headlong.     Deep-echoing  groan  the  thickets  brown; 
Then  rustling,  crackling,  crashing,  thunder  down. 
The  wood  the  Cirecians  cleave,  prepared  to  burn; 
And  the  slow  mules  the  same  rough  road  return. 
The  sturdy  woodmen  equal  burtiens  bore 
(Such  charge  was  given  them)  to  the  sandy  shore; 
There  on  the  spot  which  great  Achilles  sliow'd, 
They  eased  their  shoulders,  and  disposed  the  load; 

•  So  Milton. 

"  So  eaperly  the  fiend 
O'er  b()(f,  o'»T  stfi-p,  tliroii^rli  strait,  roiifjli,  dense,  or  rare, 
With  liead,  hiin<i.s,  winjjs,  r>r  feet  pursiies  liis  way, 
And  swims,  or  sinlts,  or  wades,  or  creeps,  or  flies." 

— '•  Paradise  Lost,"  ii.  948. 
f  "  An  ancient  forest,  for  tlie  worit  de.HJ^n'd 
(Tbe  siiady  covert  of  tlie  savatre  l;ind), 
Tlie  'i'rojans  found;  tlie  sounding'  axe  is  j)lnced; 
Firs,  ])ines,  and  pitciitri-es,  and  ilie  low'ring  pride 
Of  forest  nslies,   feel  llje  fatal  .stroke, 
And  piercing;  wedj^es  cleave  ilie  .stubborn  oak. 
Ilipli  trunks  of  trees,  felj'd  from  tlie  steepy  rrown 
Of  tbe  bare  mountains,  roll  witb  ruin  down." 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  vi.  202. 


500  THE  ILIAD. 

Circling  around  the  place,  where  times  to  come 

Shall  view  Patroclus'  and  Achilles'  tomb. 

The  hero  bids  his  martial  troops  appear 

High  on  their  cars  in  all  the  pomp  of  war; 

Each  in  refulgent  arms  his  limbs  attires, 

All  mount  their  chariots,  combatants  and  squires. 

The  chariots  first  proceed,  a  shining  train; 

Then  clouds  of  foot  that  smoke  along  the  plain; 

Next  these  the  melancholy  band  appear; 

Amidst,  lay  dead  Patroclus  on  the  bier; 

O'er  all  the  corse  their  scatter'd  locks  they  throw; 

Achilles  next,  oppress'd  with  mighty  woe, 

Supporting  with  his  hands  the  hero's  head, 

Bends  o'er  the  extended  body  of  the  dead. 

Patroclus  decent  on  the  appointed  ground 

They  place,  and  heap  the  sylvan  pile  around. 

But  great  Achilles  stands  apart  in  prayer, 

Aud  from  his  head  divides  the  yellow  hair; 

Those  curling  locks  which  from  his  youth  he  vow'd,* 

And  sacred  grew,  to  Sperchius'  honor'd  flood: 

Then  sighing,  to  the  deep  his  locks  he  cast. 

And  roll'd  his  eyes  around  the  watery  waste: 

"Sperchius!  whose  waves  in  mazy  errors  lost, 
Delightful  roll  along  my  native  coast! 
To  whom  we  vainly  vow'd,  at  our  return, 
These  locks  to  fall,  and  hecatombs  to  burn: 
Full  fifty  rams  to  bleed  in  sacrifice. 
Where  to  the  day  thy  silver  fountains  rise. 
And  where  in  shade  of  consecrated  bowers 
Thy  altars  stand,  perfumed  with  native  flowers! 
So  vow'd  my  father,  but  he  vow'd  in  vain; 
No  more  Achilles  sees  his  native  plain; 
In  that  vain  hope  these  hairs  no  longer  grow, 
Patroclus  bears  them  to  the  shades  below." 

Thus  o'er  Patroclus  while  the  hero  pray'd, 
On  his  cold  hand  the  sacred  lock  he  laid. 
Once  more  afresh  the  Grecian  sorrows  flow: 
And  now  the  sun  had  set  upon  their  woe; 
But  to  the  king  of  men  thus  spoke  the  chief: 
"Enough,  Atrides!  give  the  troops  relief: 
Permit  the  mourning  legions  to  retire, 
And  let  the  chiefs  alone  attend  the  pyre; 
The  pious  care  be  oura,  the  dead  to  burn " 

*  He  vowed.     This  was  a  very  ancient  custom. 


THE  ILIAD.  501 

He  said:  the  people  to  their  ships  return: 
"While  those  deputed  to  inter  the  slain 
Heap  with  a  rising  pyramid  the  plain.* 
A  hundred  foot  in  length,  a  hundred  wide, 
The  growing  structure  spreads  on  every  side; 
High  on  the  top  the  manly  corse  they  lay. 
And  well-fed  sheep  and  sable  oxen  slay: 
Achilles  cover'd  with  their  fat  the  dead, 
And  the  piled  victims  round  the  body  spread; 
Then  jars  of  honey,  and  of  fragrant  oil. 
Suspends  around,  low-bending  o'er  the  pile. 
Four  sprightly  coursers,  with  a  deadly  groan 
Pour  forth  their  lives,  and  on  the  pyre  are  thrown. 
Of  nine  large  dogs,  domestic  at  his  board, 
Fall  two,  selected  to  attend  their  lord. 
Then  last  of  all,  and  horrible  to  tell, 
Sad  sacrifice  I  twelve  Trojan  captives  fell.f 
On  these  the  rage  of  fire  victorious  preys. 
Involves  and  joins  them  in  one  common  blaze. 
Smear'd  with  the  bloody  rites,  he  stands  on  high. 
And  calls  the  spirit  with  a  dreadful  cry: J 

"All  hail,  PatroclusI  let  thy  vengeful  ghost 
Hear,  and  exult,  on  Pluto's  dreary  coast. 
IJehold  Achilles'  promise  fully  paid, 
Twelve  Trojan  heroes  ofTer'd  to  thy  shade; 
But  heavier  fates  on  Hector's  corse  attend, 
Saved  from  the  fiames,  for  hungry  dogs  to  rend."  _ 

So  spake  he,  threatening:  but  the  gods  made  vain 
His  threat,  and  guard  inviolate  the  slain: 
Celestial  Venus  hover'd  o'er  his  head. 
And  roseate  unguents,  heavenly  fragrancol  shed: 
She  watch'd  him  all  the  night,  and  all  the  day, 
And  drove  the  idoodiiounds  from  their  destined  prey. 
Nor  sacred  Phojbus  less  employ 'd  his  care; 
He  pour'd  around  a  veil  of  gather'd  air. 
And  kept  the  nervcn  untlricd,  the  llesh  entire, 
Against  the  solar  beam  and  Sirian  lire. 


*  Tlie  height  of  the  tomb   or   pile  was   a   pr«at  proof   of   the 

dipnilv  f)f  thf  (lec»-asf(l,  and  tin*  lionor  in  wliich  hi-  was  hi-ld. 

f  Un  tlif  pr»?val<'nc»'  '>f  tlii.s  cru<-l  cuHtinii  uiiii)iij;Mt  the  northern 
nationr.,  w»e  Mallet,  p.  21ii. 

I  Aitil  rnlh  the,  Hjiirit.     Hucli  was  the  cu.stom  aiicifiiily,  tiven  at 
the  Koiuan  funeriilH. 

"  Hail,  O  ye  lioly  names!  hail  a^jain, 
I'aleriittl  ahhf.s,  now  revived  in  vnin." 

— L)rydeu'«  Virgil,  v.  106. 


502  THE  ILIAD. 

Nor  yet  the  pile,  where  dead  Patroclus  lies, 
Smokes,  nor  as  yet  the  sullen  flames  arise; 
But,  fast  beside,  Achilles  stood  in  prayer, 
Invoked  the  gods  whose  spirit  moves  tlie  air, 
And  victims  promised,  and  libations  cast, 
To  gentle  Zephyr  and  the  Boreal  blast: 
He  call'd  the  aerial  powers,  along  the  skies 
To  breathe,  and  whisper  to  the  fires  to  rise. 
The  winged  Iris  heard  the  hero's  call, 
And  instant  hasten'd  to  their  airy  hall, 
Where  in  old  Zephyr's  open  courts  on  high. 
Sat  all  the  blustering  brethren  of  the  sky. 
She  shone  amidst  tliem,  on  her  painted  bow; 
The  rocky  pavement  glitter'd  with  the  show. 
All  from  the  banquet  rise,  and  each  invites 
The  various  goddess  to  partake  the  rites. 
"Not  so  (the  dame  replied),  I  haste  to  go 
To  sacred  Ocean,  and  the  floods  below: 
Even  now  our  solemn  hecatombs  attend 
And  heaven  is  feasting  on  the  world's  green  end. 
With  righteous  Ethiops  (uncorrupted  train!) 
Far  on  the  extremest  limits  of  the  main. 
But  Peleus'  son  entreats,  with  sacrifice. 
The  western  spirit,  and  the  north,  to  rise! 
Let  on  Patroclus'  pile  your  blast  be  driven, 
And  bear  the  blazing  honors  high  to  heaven.'* 

Swift  as  the  word  she  vanish'd  from  their  view; 
Swift  as  the  word  the  winds  tumultuous  flew; 
Forth  burst  the  stormy  band  with  thundering  roar, 
And  heaps  on  heaps  the  clouds  are  toss'd  before.. 
To  the  wide  main  then  stooping  from  the  skies. 
The  heaving  deeps  in  watery  mountains  rise: 
Troy  feels  the  blast  along  her  shaking  walls. 
Till  on  the  pile  the  gather'd  tempest  falls. 
The  structure  crackles  in  the  roaring  fires. 
And  all  the  night  the  plenteous  flame  aspires. 
All  night  Achilles  hails  Patroclus'  soul, 
With  large  libations  from  the  golden  bowl. 
As  a  poor  father,  helpless  and  undone. 
Mourns  o'er  the  ashes  of  an  only  son. 
Takes  a  sad  pleasure  the  last  bones  to  burn, 
And  pours  in  tears,  ere  yet  they  close  the  urn: 
So  stay'd  Achilles,  circling  round  the  shore, 
So  watch'd  the  flames,  till  now  they  flame  no  more. 
'Twas  when,  emerging  through  the  shades  of  night, 


THE  ILIAD.  503 

The  morning  planet  told  the  approacli  of  light: 
And,  fast  behind,  Auiora's  warmer  ray 
O'er  the  broad  ocean  ponr'd  the  golden  day: 
Then  sank  the  blaze,  the  pile  no  longer  burn'd, 
And  to  their  caves  the  whistling  winds  retnrn'd: 
Across  the  Thracian  seas  their  conrse  they  bore; 
The  ruffled  seas  beneath  their  passage  roar. 

Then  parting  fro'n  the  pile  he  ceased  to  weep. 
And  sank  to  quiet  in  the  embrace  of  sleep. 
Exhausted  with  his  grief:  meanwhile  the  crowd 
Of  thronging  Grecians  round  Achilles  stood; 
The  tumult  waked  him:  from  his  eyes  he  shook 
Unwilling  slumber,  and  the  chiefs  bespoke: 

"Ye  kings  and  princes  of  the  Achaian  name! 
First  let  us  quench  the  yet  remaining  flame 
With  sable  wine;  then,  as  the  rites  direct. 
The  hero's  bones  with  careful  view  select 
(Apart,  and  easy  to  bo  known  they  lie 
Amidst  the  heap,  and  obvious  to  the  eye: 
The  rest  around  the  margin  will  be  seen 
Promiscuous,  steeds  and  immolated  men): 
These  wrapp'd  in  double  cauls  of  fat,  prepare; 
And  in  the  golden  vase  dispose  with  care; 
There  let  them  rest  with  decent  honor  laid. 
Till  I  shall  follow  to  the  infernal  shade. 
Meantime  erect  the  tomb  with  pious  hands, 
A  common  structure  on  the  humble  sands: 
Hereafter  Greece  some  nobler  work  may  raise, 
And  late  posterity  record  our  praise'" 

The  Greeks  obey;  where  yet  the  embers  glow, 
Wide  o'er  the  pile  the  sable  wine  they  throw. 
And  deep  subsiiles  the  ashy  heap  below. 
Next  the  white  bones  his  sad  com]ianions  place, 
With  tears  collected,  in  the  golden  vase. 
The  sacred  relics  to  the  tent  they  boie; 
The  urn  a  veil  of  linen  cover'd  o'er. 
That  done,  they  l)id  tho  sopiilchre  aspire, 
And  cast  the  deep  foiwidationH  nuind  tln)  pyre; 
High  in  the  midst  they  heap  the  swelling  bed 
Of  rising  earth,  rnnmorial  of  the  dead. 

The  swarming  populace  the  chief  detains, 
And  leads  amidst  a  wide  extent  of  iilains; 
There  placed  them  round:  then  from  the  ships  proceeda 
A  train  of  oxen,  innle.s,  and  stately  steeds, 
Va:ied  and  tripods  (for  tiio  funeral  games). 


504  THE  ILIAD. 

Resplendent  brass,  and  more  resplendent  dames. 
First  stood  the  prizes  to  reward  the  force 
Of  rapid  racers  in  the  dusty  course: 
A  woman  for  the  first,  in  beauty's  bloom, 
Skill'd  in  the  needle,  and  the  laboring  loom; 
And  a  large  vase,  where  two  bright  handles  rise, 
Of  twenty  measures  its  capacious  size. 
The  second  victor  claims  a  mare  unbroke, 
Big  with  a  mule,  unknowing  of  the  yoke: 
The  third,  a  charger  yet  untouch'd  by  flame: 
Four  ample  measures  held  the  shining  frame: 
Two  goiden  talents  for  the  fourth  were  placed: 
An  ample  double  bowl  contents  the  last. 
These  in  fair  order  ranged  upon  the  plain, 
The  hero,  rising,  thus  address'd  the  train: 

"Behold  the  prizes,  valiant  Greeks!  decreed 
To  the  brave  rulers  of  the  racing  steed : 
Prizes  which  none  beside  ourself  could  gain, 
Should  our  immortal  coursers  take  the  plain 
(A  race  unrivall'd,  which  from  ocean's  god 
Peleus  received,  and  on  his  son  bestow'd). 
But  this  no  time  our  vigor  to  display; 
Nor  suit,  with  them,  the  games  of  this  sad  day. 
Lost  is  Patroclus  now,  that  wont  to  deck 
Their  flowing  manes,  and  sleek  their  glossy  neck. 
Sad,  as  they  shared  in  human  grief,  they  stand, 
And  trail  those  graceful  honors  on  the  sand! 
Let  others  for  the  noble  task  prepare. 
Who  trust  the  courser  and  the  flying  car." 

Fired  at  his  word  the  rival  racers  rise; 
But  for  the  first  Eumelus  hopes  the  prize, 
Famed  though  Pieria  for  the  fleetest  breed, 
And  skill'd  to  manage  the  liigh-bonnding  steed. 
With  equal  ardor  bold  Tydides  swell'd, 
The  steeds  of  Tros  beneath  his  yoke  compell'd 
(Which  late  obey'd  the  Dardan  chief's  command. 
When  scarce  a  god  redeem'd  him  from  his  hand). 
Then  Menelails  his  Podargus  brings. 
And  the  famed  courser  of  the  king  of  kings: 
Whom  rich  Echepolus  (more  rich  than  brave), 
To  'scape  the  wars,  to  Agamemnon  gave, 
(^the  her  name)  at  home  to  end  his  days; 
Base  wealth  preferring  to  eternal  praise. 
Next  him  Antilochus  demands  the  course 
With  beating  heart,  and  cheers  his  Pylian  horse. 


TEE  ILIAD.  505 

Experienced  Nestor  gives  his  son  the  reins, 

Directs  his  judorment,  and  his  heat  restrains j 

Nor  idly  warns  the  hoary  sire,  nor  hears 

The  prudent  son  with  unattending  ears. 

"My  son!  though  youthful  ardor  fire  thy  breast, 

The  gods  have  loved" thee,  and  with  arts  have  bless'd; 

Neptune  and  Jove  on  xhee  conferr'd  the  skill 

Swift  round  the  goal  to  turn  the  flying  wheel. 

To  guide  thy  conduct  little  precept  needs; 

But  slow,  and  past  their  vigor,  are  my  steeds. 

Fear  not  thy  rivals,  though  for  swiftness  known; 

Compare  those  rivals'  judgment  and  thy  own: 

It  is  not  strength,  but  art,  obtains  the  prize, 

And  to  be  swift  is  less  than  to  be  wise. 

'Tis  more  by  art  than  force  of  numerous  strokes 

The  dexterous  woodman  shapes  the  stubborn  oaks; 

By  art  the  pilot,  through  the  boiling  deep 

And  howling  tempast;  ;ite?xS  the  fearless  ship; 

And  'tis  the  artis'',  wins  cae  glorious  course; 

Not  those  who  trusi  in  3h''.riots  and  in  horse. 

In  vain,  unskillful  ':o  the  goal  they  strive. 

And  short,  or  wide,  the  ungovern'd  courser  drive: 

While  with  sure  skill,  though  with  inferior  steeds, 

The  knowing  racer  to  his  end  proceeds; 

Fix'd  on  the  goal  his  eye  foreruns  the  course, 

His  hand  unerring  steers  the  steady  horse. 

And  now  contracts,  or  now  extends  the  rein, 

Observing  still  the  foremoi-t  on  the  ])lain. 

Murk  then  the  goal,  'tis  easy  to  be  found; 

Yon  aged  trunk,  a  cubit  from  tlie  ground; 

Of  some  once  stately  oak  the  last  ri-mains, 

Or  hardy  lir,  unperishM  with  the  rains: 

Inclosed  with  stones,  conspicuous  from  afar; 

And  round,  a  circle  for  the  wheeling  car. 

(Some  tomlj  perhaps  of  old,  the  dead  to  grace; 

Or  then,  as  now,  the  limit  of  a  race.) 

liear  close  to  this,  and  warily  jirocieed, 

A  little  bending  to  the  left  hand  steed; 

But  urge  the  right,  and  give  him  all  the  reins; 

While  thy  strict  liaiid  his  fellow's  lu^ad  restrains, 

And  turns  him  short;  till,  doubling  as  tboy  roll. 

The  wheel's  round  naves  apin-ur  to  lirusli  the  goal. 

Yet  (not  to  break  the  car,  or  l.iinr  the  horse) 

Clear  of  the  stony  heap  direct  the  e<)iirse; 

Lest  through  incaution  failing,  thou  mayest  bo 


506  THE  ILIAD 

A  joy  to  others,  a  reproach  to  me. 

So  shalt  thou  pass  tlie  goal,  secure  of  mind, 

And  leave  iiiiskillfu]  swiftness  far  behind: 

Though  thy  fierce  rival  drove  the  matchless  steed 

Which  bore  Adrastus,  of  celestial  breed; 

Or  the  famed  race,  through  all  the  regions  known, 

That  whirl'd  the  car  of  proud  Laomedon." 

Thus  (nought  unsaid)  the  much-advising  sage 
Concludes;  then  sat,  stiff  with  unwieldy  age. 
Next  bold  Meriones  was  seen  to  rise, 
The  last,  but  not  least  ardent  for  the  prize. 
They  mount  their  seats;  the  lots  their  place  dispose 
(Roll'd  in  his  helmet,  these  Achilles  throws). 
Young  Nestor  leads  the  race:  Eumelus  then; 
And  next  the  brother  of  the  king  of  men: 
Thy  lot,  Meriones,  the  fourth  was  cast; 
And,  far  the  bravest,  Diomed,  was  last. 
They  stand  in  order,  an  impatient  train: 
Pelides  points  the  barrier  on  the  plain, 
And  sends  before  old  Phoenix  to  the  place, 
To  mark  the  racers,  and  to  judge  the  race. 
At  once  the  coursers  from  the  barrier  bound; 
The  lifted  scourges  all  at  once  resound; 
Their  heart,  their  eyes,  their  voice,  they  send  before 
And  up  the  champaign  thunder  from  the  shore: 
Thick,  where  they  drive,  the  dusty  clouds  arise. 
And  the  lost  courser  in  the  whirlwind  flies; 
Loose  on  their  shoulders  the  long  manes  reclined. 
Float  in  their  speed,  and  dance  upon  the  wind: 
The  smoking  chariots,  rapid  as  they  bound, 
Now  seem  to  touch  the  sky,  and  now  the  ground. 
While  hot  for  fame,  and  conquest  all  their  care 
(Each  o'er  his  flying  courser  hung  in  air). 
Erect  with  ardor,  poised  upon  the  rein. 
They  pant,  they  stretch,  they  shout  along  the  plain. 
Now  (the  last  compass  fetch 'd  around  the  goal) 
At  the  near  prize  each  gathers  all  his  soul, 
Each  burns  with  double  hope,  with  double  pain 
Tears  up  the  shore,  and  thunders  toward  the  main. 
First  flew  Eumelus  on  Pheretian  steeds; 
With  those  of  Tros  bold  Diomed  succeeds: 
Close  on  Eumelus'  back  they  pufi  the  wind, 
And  seem  just  mounting  on  his  car  behind; 
Full  on  his  neck  he  feels  the  sultry  breeze, 
And,  hovering  o'er,  their  stretching  shadows  sees. 


THE  ILIAD.  507 

Then  had  he  lost,  or  left  a  doubtful  prize; 

But  angry  Phoebus  to  Tydides  flies, 

Strikes  from  his  hand  the  scourge,  and  renders  vain 

His  matchless  horses'  labor  on  the  plain. 

Rage  fills  his  eye  with  anguish,  to  survey 

Snatch'd  from  his  hope  the  glories  of  the  day. 

The  fraud  celestial  Pallas  sees  with  pain. 

Springs  to  her  knight,  and  gives  the  scourge  again, 

And  fills  his  steeds  with  vigor.     At  a  stroke 

She  breaks  his  rival's  chariot  from  the  yoke: 

No  more  their  way  the  startled  horses  held; 

The  car  reversed  came  rattling  on  the  field; 

Shot  headlong  from  iiis  seat,  beside  the  wheel. 

Prone  on  the  dust  the  unhappy  master  fell: 

His  batter'd  face  and  elbows  strike  the  ground; 

Nose,  mouth,  and  front,  one  undistinguish'd  wound: 

Grief  stops  his  voice,  a  torrent  drowns  his  eyes: 

Before  him  far  the  glad  Tvdides  flies: 

Minerva's  spirit  drives  his  matchless  pace, 

And  crowns  him  victor  of  the  labor'd  race. 

Tiie  next,  though  distant,  Menelaiis  succeeds; 
While  thus  young  Nestor  animates  his  steeds: 
**Now,  now,  my  generous  pair,  exert  your  force: 
Not  that  we  hope  to  match  Tydides'  horse. 
Since  great  Minerva  wings  their  rapid  way, 
And  gives  their  lord  the  honors  of  the  day: 
But  reach  Atrides!  shall  his  mare  outgo 
Your  swiftness?  vanquish'd  by  a  female  foe? 
Through  your  neglect,  if  lagging  on  the  plain 
The  last  ignoble  gift  be  all  we  gain, 
No  more  shall  Nostor's  hand  your  food  supply. 
The  old  man's  fury  rises,  and  ye  die. 
Haste  then:  yon  narrow  road,  before  our  sight. 
Presents  the  occasion,  could  we  use  it  right." 

Thus  he.     The  coursers  at  their  master's  threat 
With  quicker  steps  the  sounding  champaign  beat. 
And  now  Antilochus  with  nice  survey 
Observes  the  compass  of  the  Hollow  way. 
'Twas  where,  by  force  of  wintry  torrents  torn. 
Fast  by  the  road  a  precipice  was  worn: 
Hero,  where  but  0710  coubl  pass,  to  shun  the  throng 
The  Spartan  huro's  chariot  smoked  along. 
Close  np  the  venturous  youth  resolves  to  keep, 
Still  edging  near,  and  bears  him  lowaril  the  steep. 
Atrides  trembling,  casts  his  eye  below, 


1> 


508  THE  ILIAD. 

And  wonders  at  the  rashness  of  his  foe. 

*'Hold,  stay  your  steeds — What  madness  thus  to  ride 

This  narrow  way!  take  larger  field  (he  cried), 

Or  both  must  fall." — Atrides  cried  in  vain; 

He  flies  more  fast,  and  throws  up  all  the  rein. 

Far  as  an  able  arm  the  disk  can  send, 

When  youthful  rivals  their  full  force  extend, 

So  far,  Antilochus!  thy  chariot  flew 

Before  the  king:  he,  cautious,  backwards  drew 

His  horse  compeird;  foreboding  in  his  fears 

The  rattling  ruin  of  the  clashing  cars, 

The  floundering  coursers  rolling  on  the  plain, 

And  conquest  lost  through  frantic  haste  to  gain. 

But  thus  upbraids  his  rival  as  he  flies: 

"Go,  furious  youth!  ungenerous  and  unwise! 

Go,  but  expect  not  I'll  the  prize  resign; 

Add  perjury  to  fraud,  and  make  it  thine — ' 

Then  to  his  steeds  with  all  his  force  he  cries, 

"Be  swift,  be  vigorous,  and  regain  the  prize! 

Your  rivals,  destitute  of  youthful  force. 

With  fainting  knees  shall  labor  in  the  course, 

And  yield  the  glory  yours." — The  steeds  obey; 

Already  at  tlieir  heels  they  wing  their  way. 

And  seem  already  to  retrieve  the  day. 

Meantime  the  Grecians  in  a  ring  beheld 
The  coursers  bounding  o'er  the  dusty  field. 
The  first  who  mark'd  them  was  the  Cretan  king; 
High  on  a  rising  ground,  above  the  ring, 
The  monarch  sat:  from  whence  with  sure  survey 
He  well  observed  the  chief  who  led  the  way, 
And  heard  from  far  his  animating  cries. 
And  saw  the  foremost  steed  with  sharpen'd  eyes; 
On  whose  broad  front  a  blaze  of  shining  white,  • 
Like  the  full  moon,  stood  obvious  to  the  sight. 
He  saw;  and  rising,  to  the  Greeks  begun: 
"Are  yonder  horse  discern'd  by  me  alone? 
Or  can  ye,  all,  another  chief  survey. 
And  other  steeds  than  lately  led  the  way? 
Those,  though  the  swiftest,  by  some  god  withheld. 
Lie  sure  disabled  in  the  middle  field : 
For,  since  the  goal  they  doubled,  round  the  plain 
I  search  to  find  them,  but  I  search  in  vain. 
Perchance  the  reins  forsook  the  driver's  hand. 
And,  turn'd  too  short,  he  tumbled  on  the  strand. 
Shot  from  the  chariot;  while  his  coursers  stray 


THE  ILIAD,  509 

With  frantic  fury  from  the  destined  way. 
Kise  then  some  other,  and  inform  my  sight, 
For  these  dim  eyes,  perhaps,  discern  not  right; 
Yet  sure  he  seems,  to  judge  by  shape  and  air, 
The  great  ^tolian  chief,  renown'd  in  war." 

"Old  man  I  (Oileus  rashly  thus  replies) 
Thy  tongue  too  hastily  confers  the  prize; 
Of  those  who  view  the  course,  nor  sharpest  eyed, 
Nor  youngest,  yet  the  readiest  to  decide. 
Eumelus'  steeds,  high  bounding  in  the  chase, 
Still,  as  at  first,  unrivall'd  lead  the  race: 
I  well  discern  him,  as  he  shakes  the  rein. 
And  hear  his  shouts  victorious  o'er  the  plain." 

Thus  he.     Idomeneus,  incensed,  rejoin'd: 
"Barbarous  of  words',  and  arrogant  of  mind! 
Contentious  prince,  of  all  the  Greeks  beside 
The  last  in  merit,  as  the  first  in  ]n'ide! 
To  vile  reproach  what  answer  can  we  make? 
A  goblet  or  a  tripod  let  us  stake. 
And  be  the  king  the  judge.     The  most  unwise 
Will  learn  their  rashness,  when  they  pay  the  price." 

He  said:  and  Ajax,  by  mad  passion  borne,      , 
Stern  had  replied;  fierce  scorn  enhancing  scorn 
To  fell  extremes.     But  Thetis'  godlike  son 
Awful  amidst  them  rose,  and  thus  begun: 

"Forbear,  ye  chiefs!  reproachful  to  contend; 
Much  would  ye  blame,  should  others  thus  offend: 
And  lol  the  ai)i)roaciiing  steeds  your  contest  end." 
No  sooner  had  he  spoke,  but  tiiundoring  near, 
Drives,  through  a  stream  of  dust,  the  charioteer. 
High  o'er  his  head  the  circling  lash  he  wields: 
His  bounding  horses  scarcely  touch  the  fields: 
His  car  amidst  the  dusty  whirlwind  roll'd. 
Bright  with  the  mingled  blaze  of  tin  and  gnld, 
Refulgent  through  the  cloud:  no  eye  could  find 
The  track  his  Hying  wheels  had  left  behind: 
And  the  fierce  coursers  urged  tiicir  rapid  pace 
So  swift,  it  seoin'd  a  fligiit,  and  not  a  ra(;o. 
Now  victor  at  the  goal  Tydid(!S  stands, 
Qnits  hia  bright  car,  and  springs  upon  the  sands; 
From  the  hot  steeds  the  sweaty  torrents  stream; 
The  well-plied  whip  is  hung  athwart  the  beam: 
Witii  joy  brave  Sthenelus  receives  tlie  prize, 
The  tripod-vase,  and  dame  with  radiant  eyes: 
These  to  the  ships  his  train  triumpiiant  leads, 


510  THE  ILIAD. 

The  chief  himself  tinyokes  the  panting  steeds. 

Young  Nestor  follows  (who  by  art,  not  force. 
O'erpass'd  Atrides)  second  in  the  course. 
Behind,  Atrides  urged  the  race,  more  near 
Than  to  the  courser  in  his  swift  career 
The  folloM'ing  car,  just  touching  with  his  heel 
And  brushing  with  his  tail  the  whirling  wheel: 
Such,  and  so  narrow  now  the  space  between 
The  rivals,  late  so  distant  on  the  green; 
So  soon  swift  vEthe  her  lost  ground  regain'd, 
One  length,  one  moment,  had  the  race  obtain'd. 

Merion  pursued,  at  greater  distance  still, 
With  tardier  coursers,  and  inferior  skill. 
Last  came,  Admetus!  thy  unhappy  son; 
Slow  dragg'd  the  steeds  his  batter'd  chariot  on; 
Achilles  saw,  and  pitying  thus  begun; 

"Behold!  tlie  man  whose  matchless  art  surpass'd 
The  sons  of  Greece!  the  ablest,  yet  the  last! 
Fortune  denies,  but  justice  bids  us  pay 
(Since  great  Tydides  bears  the  first  away) 
To  him  the  second  honors  of  the  day." 

The  Greeks  consent  with  loud-applauding  cries, 
And  then  Eumekis  had  received  the  prize, 
But  youthful  Nestor,  jealous  of  his  fame, 
The  award  opposes,  and  asserts  his  claim. 
"Think  not  (he  cries)  I  tamely  will  resign, 
0  Peleus'  son!  the  mare  so  justly  mine. 
AVhat  if  the  gods,  the  skillful  to  confound. 
Have  thrown  the  horse  and  horseman  to  the  ground? 
Perhaps  he  sought  not  heaven  by  sacrifice. 
And  vows  omitted  forfeited  the  prize. 
If  yet  (distinction  to  thy  friend  to  show. 
And  please  a  soul  desirous  to  bestow) 
Some  gift  must  grace  Eumelus,  view  thy  store 
Of  beauteous  handmaids,  steeds,  and  shining  ore; 
An  ample  present  let  him  thence  receive, 
And  Greece  shall  praise  thy  generous  thirst  to  give. 
But  this  my  prize  I  never  shall  forego; 
This,  who  but  touches,  warriors!  is  my  foe." 

Thus  spake  the  youth;  nor  did  his  words  offend; 
Pleased  with  the  well-turn'd  flattery  of  a  friend, 
Achilles  smiled:  "The  gift  [)roposed  (he  cried), 
Antilochus!  we  shall  ourselves  provide. 
With  plates  of  brass  the  corslet  cover'd  o'er 
(The  same  renown'd  Asteropgews  wore). 


THE  ILIAD.  511 

Whose  glittering  margins  raised  with  silver  shine, 
(No  vulgar  gift),  Eumelus!  shall  be  thine." 

He  said-  Automedon  at  his  coniniaud 
The  corslet  brought,  and  gave  it  to  his  hand. 
Distinguish'd  by  his  friend,  his  bosom  glows 
With  generous  joy:  then  Menelaiis  rose; 
The  herald  placed  the  sceptre  in  his  hands, 
And  still'd  the  chimor  of  the  shouting  bands. 
Not  without  cause  incensed  at  Nestor's  son, 
And  only  grieving,  thus  the  king  begnn: 

"The  praise  of  wisdom,  in  thy  youth  obtained, 
An  act  so  rash,  Antilochus!  has  stain'd. 
Robb'd  of  my  glory  and  my  just  reward. 
To  you,  0  Grecians!  be  my  wrong  declared: 
So  not  a  leader  shall  our  conduct  blame. 
Or  judge  me  envious  of  a  rival's  fame. 
But  shall  not  we,  ourselves,  the  truth  maintain? 
What  needs  appealing  in  a  fact  so  plain? 
What  Greek  shall  blame  me,  if  1  bid  thee  rise, 
And  vindicate  by  oath  Lb'  ill-gotten  prize? 
Rise  if  thou  darest,  before  thy  chariot  stand. 
The  driving  scourge  high-lifted  in  thy  hand; 
And  touch  thy  steeds,  and  swear  thy  whole  intent 
Was  but  to  conquer,  not  to  circumvent. 
Swear  by  that  god  wiioso  liquid  arms  surround 
The  globe,  and  whose  dread  earthquakes  heave   the 
ground !" 

The  prudent  chief  with  calm  attention  heard; 
Then  mildly  thus:  "Excuse,  if  youth  have  err'd; 
Superior  its  thou  art,  forgive  the  offence, 
N'or  I  thy  equal,  or  in  years,  or  sense 
Thou  know'st  tiie  errors  of  unripen'd  ago, 
Weak  are  its  counsels,  headlong  is  its  rage. 
The  prize  I  quit,  if  thou  thy  wrath  resign; 
The  mare,  or  auglit  thou  ask'st,  be  freely  thine 
Ere  I  become  (from  thy  dear  friendship  torn) 
Hateful  to  thee,  and  \r  i\.  .  gods  forsworn." 

So  spoke  Antilochus;  and  at  tlie  word 
The  mare  contested  to  the  l:ing  restored. 
Joy  swells  his  soul:  as  \:\.  w  the  vnrnal  grain 
Jjifts  the  green  oar  above  the  springing  plain, 
The  fields  their  vegetable  life  renew, 
And  laugh  and  glitter  with  the  morning  dew; 
Such  joy  the  Spartan's  shining  face  oNjrspread, 
And  lifted  his  gay  heart,  while  thus  he  said: 


512  THE  ILIAD. 

"Still  may  our  souls,  0  generous  youth!  agrees 
'Tis  now  Atrides'  turn  to  yield  to  thee. 
Rash  heat  perhaps  a  moment  might  control^ 
Not  break,  the  settled  temper  of  thy  soul. 
Not  but  (my  friend)  'tis  still  the  wiser  way 
To  waive  contention  with  superior  sway; 
/For  ah!  how  few,  who  should  like  thee  offend, 
\Like  thee,  have  talents  to  regain  the  friend! 
To  plead  indulgence,  and  thy  fault  atone. 
Suffice  thy  father's  merit  and  thy  own: 
Generous  alike,  for  me,  the  sire  and  son 
Have  greatly  suffer'd,  and  have  greatly  done. 
I  yield;  that  all  may  know,  my  soul  can  bend, 
Nor  is  my  pride  preferr'd  before  my  friend." 

He  said;  and  pleased  his  passion  to  command. 
Resign'd  the  courser  to  Noemon's  hand. 
Friend  of  the  youthful  chief:  himself  content, 
The  shining  charger  to  his  vessel  sent. 
The  golden  talents  Merion  next  obtain'd; 
The  fifth  reward,  the  double  bowl,  remaiu'd. 
Achilles  this  to  reverend  Nestor  bears. 
And  thus  the  purpose  of  his  gift  declares: 
"Accept  thou  this,  0  sacred  sire!  (he  said) 
lu  dear  memorial  of  Patroclus  dead; 
Dead  and  for  ever  lost  Patroclus  lies,  ^ 

For  ever  snatch'd  from  our  desiring  eyes! 
Take  thou  this  token  of^a  grateful  heart, 
Though  'tis  not  thine  to  hurl  the  distant  dart, 
The  quoit  to  toss,  the  ponderous  mace  to  wield, 
Or  urge  the  race,  or  wrestle  on  the  field: 
Thy  pristine  vigor  age  has  overthrown, 
But  left  the  glory  of  the  past  thy  own." 

He  said,  and  placed  the  goblet  at  his  side; 
With  joy  the  venerable  king  replied: 

"Wisely  and  well,  my  son,  thy  words  have  proved 
A  senior  honor'd,  and  a  friend  beloved! 
Too  true  it  is,  deserted  of  my  strength. 
These  wither'd  arms  and  limbs  have  fail'd  at  length. 
Oh!  had  I  now  that  force  I  felt  of  yore. 
Known  through  Buprasium  and  the  Pylian  shore! 
Victorious  then  in  every  solemn  game, 
Ordain'd  to  Amarynces'  mighty  name; 
The  brave  Epeians  gave  my  glory  way, 
^tolians,  Pylians,  all  resign'd  the  day. 
I  quell'd  Clytomedes  in  fights  of  hand. 


THE  ILIAD.  613 

And  backward  hui-rd  AiicEeus  on  the  sand, 
Surpass'd  Ipliyclus  in  the  swift  career, 
Phyleus  and  Polydorus  with  the  spear. 
The  sons  of  Actor  won  the  prize  of  horse, 
But  won  by  numbers,  not  by  art  or  force: 
For  the  famed  twins,  impatient  to  survey 
Prize  after  ])rize  by  Nestor  borne  away, 
Sprung  to  their  car;  and  with  united  pains 
One  Lash'd  the  coursers,  while  one  ruled  the  reins. 
Such  once  I  was!     Now  to  these  tasks  succeeds 
A  younger  race,  that  emulate  our  deeds: 
I  yield,  alas!  (to  age  who  must  not  yield?) 
Though  once  the  foremost  hero  of  the  field. 
Go  thou,  my  son!  b}'.  goiiurous  friendship  led, 
With  martial  honors  decorate  the  dead; 
While  pleased  I  take  the  gift  thy  hands  present 
(Pledge  of  benevolence,  and  kind  intent). 
Rejoiced,  of  all  the  numerous  Greeks,  to  see 
Not  one  but  honors  sacred  age  and  me: 
Those  duo  distinctions  thou  so  well  canst  pay, 
May  the  just  gods  return  another  day!" 

Proud  of  the  gift,  thus  spake  the  full  of  days: 
Acliilles  heard  him,  prouder  of  the  praise. 

Tlio  prizes  next  are  orderM  to  the  field. 
For  the  bold  champions  who  the  c^estus  wield. 
A  stately  mule,  as  yet  by  toils  unbroke, 
Of  six  years'  age,  unconscious  of  the  yoke, 
Is  to  the  circus  l(;d,  ami  firmly  bound; 
Next  stands  a  goblet,  massy,  large,  and  round. 
Achilles  rising,  thus:  "IjOt  Greece  excite 
Two  heroes  equal  t(j  this  hardy  figbt; 
Who  dare  the  foe  with  lifted  arms  provoke. 
And  rush  Ijcneath  the  long-descending  stroke. 
On  whom  .Vpoilo  shall  the  palm  bestow. 
And  whom  the  Greeks  .sii[ireme  by  conquest  know, 
This  mule  iiis  dauntless  labors  shall  re|iay. 
The  vaii<|iiishM  Ix^ir  the  massy  bowl  away." 

This  dreadful  combat  great  Kjiriis  chose;* 


*  Virffil.  l>y  making  tlie  }K)a«tfr  vnnquislif^d.  lias  drawn  a  hotter 
moral  I'roiii  tliis  opiMoflt!  tliiin  lloim  r.  Tin-  lollowini,'  lines  dc- 
8erv«'  cniMimrison: 

"  'lln'  liHti>,flify  Dan-H  in  llif  lists  ji|i|)(urH: 
Walking'  he  .strides,  hi»  head  erected  hears: 


514  THE  ILIAD. 

Uigh  o'er  the  crowd,  enormous  bulk!  he  rose, 
And  seized  the  beast,  and  thus  began  to  say: 
"Stand  fortli  some  man,  to  bear  the  bowl  away! 
(Price  of  his  ruin):  for  who  dares  deny 
This  mule  my  right;  the  undoubted  victor  I? 
Others,  'tis  own'd,  in  fields  of  battle  shine. 
But  the  first  honors  of  this  fight  are  mine; 
For  who  excels  in  all?     Then  let  my  foe 
Draw  near,  but  first  his  certain  fortune  know; 
Secure  this  hand  shall  his  whole  frame  confound, 
Mash  all  his  bones,  and  all  his  body  pound: 
So  let  his  friends  be  nigh,  a  needful  train, 
To  heave  the  batter'd  carcase  off  the  plain." 

The  giant  spoke;  and  in  a  stupid  gaze 
The  host  beheld  him,  silent  with  amaze! 
'Twas  thou,  Euryalus!  who  durst  aspire 
To  meet  his  might,  and  emulate  thy  sire. 
The  great  Mecistheus;  who  in  days  of  yore 
In  Theban  games  tlie  noblest  trophy  bore 
(The  games  ordain'd  dead  CEdipus  to  grace), 
And  singly  vanquish  the  Cadmean  race. 
Him  great  Tydides  urges  to  contend. 
Warm  with  the  hopes  of  conquest  for  his  friend; 
Officious  with  the  cincture  girds  him  round; 
And  to  his  wrist  the  gloves  of  death  are  bound. 
Amid  the  circle  now  each  champion  stands, 
And  poises  high  in  air  his  iron  hands; 
With  clashing  gauntlets  now  they  fiercely  close, 
Their  crackling  jaws  re-echo  to  the  blows, 
And  painful  sweat  from  all  their  members  flows. 
At  length  Epeiis  dealt  a  weighty  blow 

His  nervous  arms  the  weighty  gauntlet  wield, 
And  loud  applauses  echo  through  the  field. 

Such  Dares  was,  and  such  he  strode  along. 

And  drew  the  wonder  of  the  gazing  throng. 

His  brawny  breast  and  ample  chest  he  shows; 

His  lifted  arms  around  his  head  he  throws. 

And  deals  in  whistling  air  his  empty  blows. 

His  match  is  sougbt;  but,  through  the  trembling  baud, 

No  one  dares  answer  to  the  proud  demand. 

Presuming  of  his  force,  with  sparkling  eyes, 

Already  he  devours  the  promised  prize. 

f  T"  ^  Jt*  "  "T* 

If  none  my  matchless  valor  dares  oppose. 
How  long  shall  Dares  wait  bis  dastard  foes  ?" 

— Dryden's  Virgil,  v.  486,  seq. 


rUE  ILIAD.  515 

Full  on  the  cheek  of  his  unwary  foe; 

Beneath  that  ponderous  arm's  resistless  sway 

Down  (Iropp'd  he,  nerveless,  and  extended  lay. 

As  a  large  fish,  when  winds  and  waters  roar. 

By  some  huge  hillow  dash'd  against  the  shore. 

Lies  panting;  not  less  hatter'd  with  his  wound 

The  bleeding  hero  pants  upon  the  ground. 

To  rear  his  fallen  foe,  the  victor  lends, 

Scornful,  his  hand;  and  gives  him  to  his  friends; 

Whose  arms  support  him,  reeling  through  the  throng, 

And  dragging  his  disabled  legs  along; 

Nodding,  his  head  hangs  down  his  shoulder  o'er; 

His  mouth  and  nostrils  pour  the  clotted  gore;* 

Wrapp'd  round  in  mists  he  lies,  and  lost  to  thought; 

His  friends  receive  the  bowl,  too  dearly  bought. 

■    The  third  bold  game  Achilles  next  demands 

And  calls  the  wrestlers  to  the  level  sands: 

A  massy  tripod  for  the  victor  lies, 

Of  twice  six  oxen  its  reputed  price; 

And  next,  the  loser's  spirits  to  restore, 

A  female  captive,  valued  but  at  four. 

Scarce  did  the  chief  the  vigorous  strife  propose 

When  tower-like  Ajax  and  Ulysses  rose. 

Amid  the  ring  eacii  nervous  rival  stands, 

Embracing  rigid  witii  implicit  hands. 

Close  luck'<l  above,  their  heads  and  arms  are  mix'd; 

Below,  their  planted  feet  at  distance  tix'd; 

Like  two  strong  rafters  which  the  builder  forms, 

Proof  to  the  wintry  winds  and  liowling  storms, 

Their  tops  connected,  but  at  wider  space 

Fix'd  on  the  centre  stands  their  solid  base. 

Now  to  the  grasp  each  manly  body  bends; 

The  humid  sweat  from  every  pore  descends; 

Their   bones    rosoiunl    with    blows:    sides,    shoulders, 

tiiighs. 
Swell  to  each  gripe,  and  bloody  tiunors  rise. 
Nor  could  Ulysses,  for  liis  art  reiunvn'd, 
O'orturn  the  strength  of  Ajax  on  the  ground; 
Nor  could  the  strength  of  Ajax  overthrow 
The  watchful  caution  of  Ills  artful  foe. 


♦  "  Tlip  k'i"'>''*''-^k1'^  '1""*  f"'!'''''!.  from  tlin  Hlinro 
His  faithful  frif-nds  iiiiiiappy  I'lircs  bori': 
His  moiitli  ntul  noHtrilH  poiirM  h  jiiirjil**  flood, 
And  pounded  teeth  came  ruHhiiit:  with  liis  1)1o(k1." 

—  I)rvd<-nV  Virgil,  v.  023. 


516  THE  ILIAD. 

While  the  long  strife  even  tired  the  lookers  on. 
Thus  to  Ulysses  spoke  great  Telamon: 
"Or  let  me  lift  thee,  chief,  or  lift  thou  me: 
Prove  we  our  force,  and  Jove  the  rest  decree." 

He  said;  and,  straining,  heaved  him  off  the  ground 
With  matchless  strength;  that  time  Ulysses  found 
The  strength  to  evade,  and  where  the  nerves  combine 
His  ankle  struck:  the  giant  fell  supine; 
Ulysses,  following,  on  his  bosom  lies; 
Shouts  of  applause  run  rattling  through  the  skies. 
Ajax  to  lift  Ulysses  next  essays; 
He  barely  stirr'd  him,  but  he  could  not  raise: 
His  knee  lock'd  fast,  the  foe's  attempt  denied; 
And  grappling  close,  they  tumbled  side  by  side. 
Defiled  with  honorable  dust  they  roll, 
Still  breathing  strife,  and  unsubdued  of  soul: 
Again  they  rage,  again  to  combat  rise; 
When  great  Achilles  thus  divides  the  prize: 

"Your  noble  vigor,  0  my  friends,  restrain; 
Nor  weary  out  your  generous  strength  in  vain. 
Ye  both  have  won:  let  others  v/ho  excel, 
Now  prove  that  prowess  you  have  proved  so  well." 

The  hero's  words  the  willing  chiefs  obey, 
From  their  tired  bodies  wipe  the  dust  away, 
And  clothed  anew,  the  following  games  survey. 

And  now  succeed  the  gifts  ordain'd  to  grace 
The  youths  contending  in  the  rapid  race: 
A  silver  urn  that  full  six  measures  held. 
By  none  in  weight  or  workmanship  excell'dj 
Sidonian  artists  taught  the  frame  to  shine, 
Elaborate,  with  artifice  divine; 
Whence  Tyrian  sailors  did  the  prize  transport, 
And  gave  to  Thoas  at  the  Lemnian  port: 
From  him  descended,  good  Eunaeus  heir'd 
The  glorious  gift;  and,  for  Lycaon  spared, 
To  brave  Patroclus  gave  the  rich  reward: 
Now,  the  same  hero's  funeral  rites  to  grace. 
It  stands  the  ])rize  of  swiftness  in  the  race. 
A  well-fed  ox  was  for  the  second  placed; 
And  half  a  talent  must  content  the  last. 
Achilles  rising  then  bespoke  the  train: 
"Who  hope  the  palm  of  swiftness  to  obtain. 
Stand  forth,  and  bear  these  prizes  from  the  plain." 

The  hero  said,  and  starting  from  his  place, 
Oilean  Ajax  rises  to  the  race; 


THE  ILIAD.  517 

ITlysses  next;  and  he  whose  speed  surpass'd 
His  youthful  equals,  Nestor's  son,  the  last. 
Kanged  in  a  line  the  ready  racers  stand; 
Pelides  points  the  harrier  with  liis  hand; 
All  start  at  once;   Oileus  led  the  race; 
The  next  Ulysses,  measuring  pace  with  pace; 
Behind  him," diligently  close,  he  sped. 
As  closely  following  as  the  running  thread 
The  spindle  follows,  and  displays  the  charms 
Of  the  fair  spinster's  breast  and  moving  arms: 
Graceful  in  motion  thus,  his  foe  he  plies, 
And  treads  eacli  footstep  ere  the  dust  can  rise; 
His  glowing  breath  upon  his  shoulders  plays: 
The  admiring  Greeks  loud  acclamations  raise: 
To  him  they  give  their  wishes,  hearts,  and  eyes, 
And  send  their  souls  before  him  as  he  flies. 
Now  three  times  turn'd  in  prospect  of  the  goal 
The  panting  chief  to  Pallas  lifts  his  soul: 
"Assist,  0  goddess!'"  thus  in  thought  he  pray'd! 
And  present  at  his  thought  descends  the  maid. 
Buoy'd  by  her  heavenly  force,  he  seems  to  swim. 
And"  feels  a  jjinion  lifting  every  limb. 
All  fierce,  and  ready  now  the  ])rize  to  gain, 
Unhappy  Ajax  stumbles  on  the  plain 
(O'erturn'd  by  Pallas),  where  the  slij)pery  shore 
Was  clogg'd  with  slimy  dung  and  mingled  gore. 
(The  self-same  place  beside  Patroclus'  pyre. 
Where  late  the  shiughter'd  victims  fed  the  fire.) 
liesmear'd  with  hit)),  and  blotted  <j'er  with  clay, 
Obscene  to  fight,  the  rueful  racer  lay; 
'I'he  well-fod  bull  (the  second  prize)  he  shared, 
And  left  the  urn  Ulysses'  rich  reward. 
Then,  grasping  bv  the  horn  the  mighty  beast, 
The  bank'd  hero  thua  the  (Jreeks  address'd: 

"Accursed  fate!  the  conquest  I  forego; 
A  mortal,  i,  a  goddess  was  my  foe; 
She  urged  her  favorite  on  the  rapid  way. 
And  Pallas,  nnt  Ulysses,  won  the  day." 

'i'lius  sourly  wail'd  he,  sputtering  dirt  and  gore; 
A  liurst  of  laughter  echoed  through  the  shore. 
Antilochus,  more  huiiMirouH  than  the  rest. 
Takes  the  last  prize,  and  takes  it  with  a  jest: 

"Whv  with  our  wiser  elders  shfiild  we  Ktrivo? 
The  gods  still  love  them,  and  they  always  thrive. 
Ye  see,  to  Ajax  I  must  yield  the  prize: 


518  THE  ILIAD. 

He  to  Ulysses,  still  more  aged  and  wise; 
(A  green  old  age  unconscious  of  decays, 
That  proves  the  hero  born  in  better  days!) 
Behold  his  vigor  in  this  active  race! 
Achilles  only  boasts  a  swifter  pace: 
For  who  can  match  Achilles?     He  who  can, 
Must  yet  be  more  than  hero,  more  than  man." 

The  effect  succeeds  the  speech.     Pelides  cries, 
"Thy  artful  praise  deserves  a  better  prize. 
Nor  Greece  in  vain  shall  hear  thy  friend  extoll'd, 
Receive  a  talent  of  the  purest  gold." 
The  youth  departs  content.     The  host  admire 
The  son  of  Nestor,  worthy  of  his  sire. 

Next  these  a  buckler,  spear,  and  helm,  he  brings; 
Cast  on  the  plain,  the  brazen  burden  rings: 
Arms  which  of  late  divine  Sarpedon  Avore, 
And  great  Patrochis  in  short  triumph  bore. 
"Stand  forth  the  bravest  of  our  host!  (he  cries) 
Whoever  dares  deserve  so  rich  a  prize. 
Now  grace  the  lists  before  our  army's  sight, 
And  sheathed  in  steel,  provoke  his  foe  to  fight. 
Who  first  the  jointed  armor  shall  explore, 
And  stain  his  rival's  mail  with  issuing  gore, 
The  sword  Asteropseus  possess'd  of  old 
(A  Thracian  blade,  distinct  with  studs  of  gold), 
Shall  pay  the  stroke,  and  grace  the  striker's  side: 
These  arms  in  common  let  the  chiefs  divide: 
For  each  brave  champion,  when  the  combat  ends, 
A  sumptuous  banquet  at  our  tents  attends." 

Fierce  at  the  word  uprose  great  Tydeus'  son, 
And  the  huge  bulk  of  Ajax  'J'elamon. 
Clad  in  refulgent  steel,  on  either  hand. 
The  dreadful  chiefs  amid  the  circle  stand; 
Louring  they  meet,  tremendous  to  the  sight; 
Each  Argive  bosom  beats  with  fierce  delight. 
Opposed  in  arms  not  long  they  idly  stood. 
But  thrice  they  closed,  and  thrice  the  charge  renew'd. 
A  furious  pass  the  spear  of  Ajax  made 
Through  the  broad  shield,  but  at  the  corslet  stay'd. 
Not  thus  the  foe:  his  javelin  aim'd  above 
The  buckler's  margin,  at  the  neck  he  drove. 
But  Greece,  now  trembling  for  her  hero's  life, 
Bade  share  the  honors,  and  surcease  the  strife. 
Yet  still  the  victor's  due  Tydides  gains. 
With  him  the  sword  and  studded  belt  remains. 


THE  ILIAD.  519 

Then  hurl'd  the  hero,  thundering  ou  the  ground, 
A  mass  of  iron  (au  enormous  round), 
Whose  weight  and  size  the  circling  Greeks  admire, 
Rude  from  the  furnace,  and  but  shaped  by  fire. 
This  mighty  quoit  Aetion  wout  to  rear. 
And  from  his  whirling  arm  dismiss  in  air: 
The  giant  by  Achilles  slain,  he  stow'd 
Among  his  spoils  this  memorable  load. 
For  this,  he  bids  those  nervous  artists  vie, 
That  teach  the  disk  to  sound  along  the  sky. 
'•Let  him,  whose  might  can  hurl  this  bowl,  arise; 
Who  farthest  hurls  it,  take  it  as  his  prize; 
If  he  be  one  enrich'd  with  large  domain 
Of  downs  for  flocks,  and  arable  for  grain, 
Small  stock  of  iron  needs  that  man  provide; 
His  hinds  and  swains  whole  years  shall  be  supplied 
From  hence;  nor  ask  the  neighboring  city's  aid 
For  ploughshares,  wheels,  and  all  tiie  rural  trade." 

Stern  Polypoetes  stepp'd  before  the  throng, 
And  great  Leonteus,  more  than  mortal  strong; 
Whose  force  with  rival  forces  to  oppose, 
Uprose  great  Ajax;  up  Epeus  rose. 
Each  stood  in  order:  first  Epeus  threw; 
*  High  o'er  the  wondering  crowds  the  whirling  circle 
flew. 
Leonteus  next  a  little  space  surpass'd; 
And  third,  the  strength  of  godlike  Ajax  cast. 
O'er  both  their  marks  it  flew;  till  liercoly  Hung 
From  Polypd.'tes'  arm  the  discus  sung: 
Far  as  a  swain  his  whirling  sheephook  throws, 
That  distant  falls  among  the  grazing  cows, 
So  past  thoin  all  the  rapid  circle  Hies: 
His  friends,  while  loud  applauses  shako  the  skies, 
Witli  force  conjoin'd  heave  off  tint  weighty  })rizo. 

Those,  who  in  skillful  archery  contend. 
He  next  invites  the  twanging  bow  to  bond; 
And  twice  ton  axes  casts  amidst  the  round, 
Ton  double-odgod,  and  ton  that  singly  wound 
Tho  mast,  whicli  lato  a  first-rato  galley  bore, 
The  hero  fixes  in  tho  sandy  shore; 
To  tho  tall  top  a  niilk-whito  dove  thoy  tio, 
Tii(!  trembling  mark  at  which  tlioir  arrows  lly. 

"Whose  weapon  strikes  yon  llnttoring  bird,  shall  boar 
Those  two-edged  axes,  terrible  in  war; 
Tho  single,  ho  whose  shaft  divides  tlu!  cord." 
Ho  said:  oxperioncod  .Morion  took  tho  word; 


55iO  THE  ILIAD. 

Aud  skillful  Ttiucer:  in  the  helm  they  threw 

Their  lots  inscribed,  and  forth  the  hitter  flew. 

Swift  from  the  sting  the  sounding  arrow  flies; 

But  flies  unbless'd!     No  grateful  sacrifice, 

No  firstling  lambs,  unheedful!  didst  thou  vow 

To  Phoebus,  patron  of  the  shaft  and  bow. 

For  this,  thy  well-aim'd  arrow  turn'd  aside, 

Err'd  from  the  dove,  yet  cut  the  cord  that  tied: 

Adown  the  mainmast  fell  the  parted  string, 

And  the  free  bird  to  heaven  displays  her  wing: 

^a,  shores,  and  skies,  with  loud  applause  resound, 

And  Merion  eager  meditates  the  wound: 

He  takes  the  bow,  directs  the  shaft  above, 

Aud  following  with  liis  eye  the  soaring  dove. 

Implores  the  god  to  speed  it  through  the  skies. 

With  vows  of  firstling  lambs,  and  grateful  sacrifice. 

The  dove,  in  airy  circles  as  she  wheels. 

Amid  the  clouds  the  piercing  arrow  feels; 

Quite  through  and  through  the  point  its  passage  found, 

And  at  his  feet  fell  bloody  to  the  ground. 

The  wounded  bird,  ere  yet  she  breathed  her  last. 

With  flagging  wings  alighted  on  the  mast, 

A  moment  hung,  and  spread  her  pinions  there. 

Then  sudden  dropp'd,  and  left  her  life  in  air. 

From  the  pleased  crowd  new  peals  of  thunder  rise, 

And  to  the  ships  brave  Merion  bears  the  prize. 

To  close  the  funeral  games,  Achilles  last 
A  massy  spear  amid  the  circle  placed. 
And  ample  charger  of  unsullied  frame, 
With  flowers  high-wrought,  not  blacken'd  yet  by  flame. 
For  these  he  bids  tlie  heroes  prove  their  art. 
Whose  dexterous  skill  directs  the  flying  dart. 
Here  too  great  Merion  hopes  the  noble  prize; 
Nor  here  disdain'd  tlie  king  of  men  to  rise. 
With  joy  Pelides  saw  the  honor  paid, 
Eose  to  the  monarch,  and  respectful  said: 

"Thee  first  in  virtue,  as  in. power  supreme, 
0  king  of  nations!  all  thy  Greeks  proclaim; 
In  every  martial  game  thy  worth  attest. 
And  know  thee  both  their  greatest  and  their  best. 
Take  then  the  prize,  but  let  brave  Merion  bear 
This  beamy  javelin  in  thy  brother's  war." 

Pleased  from  the  hero's  lips  liis  praise  to  hear, 
The  king  to  Merion  gives  the  brazen  spear: 
But,  set  apart  for  sacred  use,  commands 
The  glittering  charger  to  Talthybius'  hands. 


TEE  ILIAD.  521 


BOOK  XXIV. 

AEGUMENT. 


THE    REDEMPTION"   OF   THE   BODY   OF   HECTOR. 

The  gods  deliberate  about  the  redemption  of  Hector's  body. 
Jupiter  sends  Thetis  to  Achilles,  to  dispohf  him  for  the  restor- 
ing it,  and  Iris  to  Priam,  to  encourage  him  to  go  in  person 
and  treat  for  it.  The  old  king,  notwithstanding  the  remon- 
strances of  his  queen,  makes  ready  for  the  journey,  to  which 
he  is  encouraged  by  an  omen  from  Jupiter.  He  sets  forth  in 
bis  chariot,  with  a  wagon  loaded  with  jiresents,  under 
the  charge  of  Idanis  the  herald.  Mercury  descends  in  the 
shape  of  a  young  n;an,  and  conilucts  him  to  the  pavilion  of 
Achilles.  Their  conversation  on  the  way.  Priam  finds 
Achilles  at  his  table,  casts  himself  at  his  feet,  and  begs  for 
the  body  of  his  son:  Achilles,  moved  with  compassion,  grants 
his  request,  detains  him  one  night  in  his  tent,  and  the  next 
morning  sends  him  home  with  the  body:  the  'i'rojans  runout 
to  meet  him.  'J'he  lamentations  of  Andromache,  Hecuba, 
and  Helen,  with  the  solemnities  of  the  funeral. 

'i'lie  time  of  twelve  days  is  employed  in  this  book,  while 
the  body  of  Hector  lies  in  the  tent  of  Achilles;  and  as  many 
more  are  spent  in  the  truce  allowed  for  his  interment.  The 
scene  is  partly  in  Achilles'  camp,  and  partly  in  Troy. 

Now  from  tlie  fiiii.sh'tl  gume.s  the  Grecian  band 

Seek  tlieir  black  sbip.s,  and  clear  the  crowded  strand, 

Ail  fitretob'd  at  caso  the  gonial  baiir]nct  .siiaro, 

Ajid  jjk'a.sing  slumbers  quiet  all  tiioir  care. 

Not  so  Acliillcs:  lie,  to  grief  resign'd, 

Ili.s  friend's  dear  image  present  to  bis  mind, 

Takes  bis  sad  coiu-b,  more  unolKscrvud  to  weep; 

Nor  tastes  tlio  gifts  of  all-fomjiosing  sleep. 

Restless  bo  roll'd  around  bis  weary  bed, 

And  all  bis  soul  on  bis  I'atroeliis  fcrl : 

Tbo  form  so  pleasing,  and  tlic  beart  so  kind, 

That  yotitbful  vigor,  and  that  nninly  mind, 

What    toils    tboy   sbarcd,    wbat    martial    works    tboy 

•wrougbt. 
What  seas  they  measured,  and  wbat  Golds  they  fought; 


522  THE  ILIAD. 

All  pass'tl  before  him  in  remembrance  dear, 
Thought  follows  thought,  and  tear  succeeds  to  tear. 
And  now  supine,  now  prone,  the  hero  lay. 
Now  shifts  his  side,  impatient  for  the  day! 
Then  starting  up,  disconsolate- he  goes 
Wide  on  the  lonely  beach  to  vent  his  woes. 
There  as  the  solitary  mourner  raves. 
The  ruddy  morning  rises  o'er  the  waves: 
Soon  as  it  rose,  his  furious  steeds  he  join'd! 
The  chariot  flies,  and  Hector  trails  behind. 
And  thrice,  Patroclus!  round  thy  monument 
Was  Hector  dragg'd,  then  hurried  to  the  tent. 
There  sleep  at  last  o'ercomes  the  hero's  eyes; 
While  foul  in  dust  tlie  unhonor'd  carcase  lies. 
But  not  deserted  by  the  pitying  skies: 
For  Phoebus  watch'd  it  with  superior  care. 
Preserved  from  gaping  wounds  and  tainting  air, 
And,  ignominious  as  it  swept  the  field. 
Spread  o'er  the  sacred  corse  his  golden  shield. 
All  heaven  was  moved,  and  Hermes  will'd  to  go 
By  stealth  to  suatcli  him  from  the  insulting  foe: 
But  Neptune  this,  and  Pallas  this  denies. 
And  th'  unrelenting  empress  of  the  skies, 
E'er  since  that  day  implacable  to  Troy, 

What  time  young  Paris,  simple  shepherd  boy, 

Won  by  destructive  lust  (reward  obscene), 

Their  charms  rejected  for  the  Cyprian  queen. 

But  when  the  tentli  celestial  morning  broke, 

To  heaven  assembled,  thus  Apollo  spoke: 
"Unpitying  powers!  how  oft  each  holy  fane 

Has  Hector  tinged  with  blood  of  victims  slain? 

And  can  ye  still  his  cold  remains  pursue? 

Still  grudge  his  body  to  the  Trojan's  view? 

Deny  to  consort,  mother,  son,  and  sire. 

The  last  sad  honors  of  a  funeral  fire? 

Is  then  the  dire  Achilles  all  your  care? 

Tliat  iron  heart,  inflexibly  severe; 

A  lion,  not  a  man,  who  shiughters  wide. 

In  strength  of  rage,  and  impotence  of  pride; 

Wlio  hastes  to  murder  with  a  savage  joy, 

Invades  around,  and  breathes  but  to  destroy! 

Shame  is  not  of  his  soul;  nor  understood. 

The  greatest  evil  and  the  greatest  good. 

Still  for  one  loss  he  rages  unresign'd, 

Repugnant  to  the  lot  of  all  mankind; 


THE  ILIAD.  523 

To  lose  a  friend,  a  brother,  or  a  son, 
Heaveu  dooms  each  mortal,  and  its  will  is  done: 
Awhile  they  sorrow,  then  dismiss  their  care; 
Fate  gives  the  wound,  and  man  is  born  to  bear. 
But  this  insatiate,  the  commission  given 
By  fate  exceeds,  and  tempts  the  wrath  of  heaven: 
Lo,  how  his  rage  dishonest  drags  along 
Hector's  dead  earth,  insensible  of  wrong, 
Brave  though  he  be,  yet  by  no  reason  awed, 
He  viohites  the  laws  of  man  and  god." 
**If  equal  honors  by  the  partial  skies 
Are  doom'd  botli  heroes  (Juno  thus  replies). 
If  Thetis'  son  must  no  distinction  know. 
Then  hear,  ye  godsl  the  patron  of  the  bow. 
But  Hector  only  boasts  a  mortal  claim, 
His  birth  deriving  from  a  mortal  dame: 
Achilles,  of  your  own  ethereal  race. 
Springs  from  a  goddess  by  a  man's  embrace 
(A  goddess  by  ourself  to  Pelous  given, 
A  man  divine,  and  chosen  friend  of  heaven) 
To  grace  those  nuptials,  from  tiie  bright  abode 
Yourselves  were  present;  where  this  minstrel-god, 

Well  pleased  to  share  the  feast,  amid  the  quire 
Stood  proud  to  hvmn,  and  tune  his  youthful  lyre." 
Then  thus  the  "Thunderer  checks  the  imperial  dame; 

"Let  not  thy  wrath  the  court  of  heaven  iiillame; 
Their  merits,  nor  their  honors,  are  the  sauiO. 

But  mine,  and  every  god's  peculiar  grace 

Hector  deserves,  of  all  the  Trojan  race: 

Still  on  our  shrines  his  gratoful  olTerings  lay 

(The  only  honors  men  to  gods  can  pay), 

Nor  ever  from  our  smoking  altar  ceased 

Tiie  pure  libation,  and  the  holy  feast: 

lI(jwo'er  by  st<!alth  to  snatch  the  corso  away, 

\Vo  will  not:  Thetis  guards  it  night  ami  day. 

liut  haste,  ami  summon  to  our  courts  above 

The  azure  quefiii;  let  her  persuasion  move 

H('r  furious  son  from  I'riam  to  receive 

The  proffered  ransom,  and  the  (lorso  to  leave. 
Ho  added  rjot:  and  Iris  from  the  skies, 

Swift  as  a  whirlwind,  on  the  message  lliea, 

Meteorous  the  face  of  ocean  sweeps, 

Refulgent  gliding  o'or  tho  sjiblc  (feepfi. 

J{etw(ron  where  Samos  wide  his  forests  spreads, 

And  rocky  Imbrus  lifts  its  pointed  heads, 


524  THE  ILIAD. 

Down  plunged  the  maid  (the  parted  waves  resound); 

She  plunged  and  instant  shot  the  dark  profound. 

As  bearing  death  in  the  fallacious  bait, 

From  the  bent  angle  sinks  the  leaden  weight; 

So  pass'd  the  goddess  through  the  closing  wave, 

Where  Thetis  sorrow'd  in  her  secret  cave: 

There  placed  amidst  her  melancholy  train 

(The  blue-haired  sisters  of  the  sacred  main), 

Pensive  she  sat,  ravolving  fates  to  come, 

And  wept  her  godlike  son's  approaching  doom. 

Tlien  thus  the  goddess  of  the  painted  bow: 

"Arise,  0  Thetis!  from  thy  seats  below. 

'Tis  Jove  that  calls."— "And  why  (the  dame  replies) 

Calls  Jove  his  Thetis  to  the  hated  skies? 

Sad  object  as  I  am  for  heavenly  sight! 

Ah  may  my  sorrows  ever  shun  the  light! 

Howe'er,  be  heaven's  almighty  sire  obey'd — '* 

She  spake,  and  veil'd  her  head  in  sable  shade, 

Which,  flowing  long,  her  graceful  person  clad; 

And  forth  she  paced,  majestically  sad. 

Then  through  the  world  of  waters  they  repair 
(The  way  fair  Iris  led)  to  upper  air. 
The  deeps  dividing,  o'er  the  coast  they  rise, 
And  touch  with  momentary  flight  the  skies. 
There  in  the  lightning's  blaze  the  sire  they  found. 
And  all  the  gods  in  shining  synod  round. 
Thetis  approach'd  with  anguish  in  her  face 
(Minerva  rising,  gave  the  mourner  place), 
Even  Juno  sought  her  sorrows  to  console, 
And  offer'd  from  her  hand  the  nectar-bowl: 
She  tasted,  and  resign'd  it:  then  began 
The  sacred  sire  of  gods  and  mortal  man: 

"Thou  comest,  fair  Thetis,  but  with  grief  overcast; 
Maternal  sorrows;  long,  ah,  long  to  last! 
Suffice,  we  know  and  we  partake  thy  cares; 
But  yield  to  fate,  and  hear  what  Jove  declares: 
Nino  days  are  past  since  all  the  courts  above 
In  Hector's  cause  have  moved  the  ear  to  Jove; 
'Twas  voted,  Hermes  from  his  godlike  foe 
By  stealth  should  bear  him,  but  we  wiil'd  not  so: 
We  will,  thy  son  himself  the  corse  restore. 
And  to  his  conquest  add  this  glory  more. 
Then  hie  thee  to  him,  and  our  mandate  bear; 
Tell  him  he  tempts  the  wrath  of  heaven  too  far; 
Nor  let  him  more  (our  anger  if  he  dread) 


THE  ILIAD.  525 

Veut  his  mail  vengeance  on  the  sacred  dead; 
But  yield  to  ransom  and  the  father's  prayer; 
The  mournful  father,  Iris  shall  prepare 
With  gifts  to  sue;  and  offer  to  his  hands 
Whate'er  his  honor  asks,  or  heart  demands." 

His  word  the  silver-footed  queen  attends, 
Anc\  from  Olympus'  snowy  tops  descends. 
Arrived,  she  heard  the  voice  of  loud  lament, 
And  echoing  groans  that  shook  the  lofty  tent: 
His  friends  prepare  the  victim,  and  dispose 
Kepast  unheeded,  while  he  vents  his  woes; 
The  goddess  seats  her  by  her  pensive  son, 
She  press'd  liis  hand,  and  tender  thus  begun. 

"How  long,  unhappy!  shall  thy  sorrows  flow, 
And  thy  heart  waste  with  life-consuming  woe: 
Mindless  of  food,  or  love,  whose  pleasing  reign 
Soothes  weary  life,  and  softens  Iniman  pain? 
0  snatch  the  moments  yet  within  thy  ])ower; 
Not  long  to  live,  indulge  the  amorous  hour! 
Lo!  Jove  himself  (for  Jove's  command  I  bear) 
Forbids  to  tempt  the  wrath  of  heaven  too  far. 
No  longer  then  (his  fury  if  thou  dread) 
Detain  the  relics  of  great  Hector  dead; 
Nor  vent  on  senseless  earth  thy  vengeance  vain, 
But  yield  to  ransom,  and  restore  the  slain." 

To  whom  Achilles:  "Be  the  ransom  given. 
And  wo  submit,  since  such  the  will  of  heaven." 

While    thus   they   communed,   from    the   Olympian 
bowers 
Jovo  orders  Iris  to  the  Trojan  towers: 
"Haste,  wingod  goildess!  to  the  sacred  town. 
And  urge  her  monarch  U)  redeem  his  son 
Alono  tiio  Ilian  ramparts  let  him  leave, 
And  boar  what  stern  A(;hilh's  may  receive: 
Alone,  for  so  wo  will;  no  Trojan  near 
Except  to  place  the  dead  with  decent  care. 
Some  aged  herald  who  with  gcMitlo  hand 
May  tho  slow  mules  and  funeral  ear  command. 
Nor  let  him  death,  nor  let  liini  danger  dread. 
Safe  through  the  foo  by  our  nrotection  led: 
Him  II(;rmes  to  Achilhis  shall  eonvcfy, 
(iiiard  of  hiri  life,  and  partner  of  lii.s  way. 
Fierce  as  ho  is,  Achilles'  self  shall  sjtaro 
His  age,  n(»r  touch  one  venerable  hair: 
Some  thought  there  must  be  in  a  soul  so  bravo. 


526  THE  ILIAD. 

Some  sense  of  duty,  some  desire  to  save." 

Tlieu  down  her  bow  the  winged  Iris  drives, 
And  swift  at  Priam's  mournful  court  arrives: 
Where  the  sad  sons  beside  their  father's  tlirone 
Sat  bathed  in  tears,  and  answer'd  groan  with  groan. 
And  all  amidst  them  lay  the  hoary  sire, 
(Sad  scene  of  woe!)  his  face  his  wrapp'd  attire 
Conceal 'd  from  sight;  with  frantic  hands  he  spread 
A  shower  of  ashes  o'er  his  neck  and  head. 
From  room  to  room  his  pensive  daughters  roam; 
Whose  shrieks  and  clamors  fill  the  vaulted  dome; 
Mindful  of  those,  who  late  their  pride  and  joy, 
liie  pale  and  breathless  round  the  fields  of  Troy! 
Before  the  king  Jove's  messenger  appears, 
And  thus  in  whispers  greets  his  trembling  ears: 

"Fear  not,  0  father!  no  ill  news  I  bear; 
From  Jove  I  come,  Jove  makes  thee  still  his  care; 
For  Hector's  sake  these  walls  he  bids  thee  leave. 
And  bear  what  stern  Achilles  may  receive; 
Alone,  for  so  he  wills;  no  Trojan  near. 
Except,  to  place  the  dead  with  decent  care, 
Some  aged  herald,  who  with  gentle  hand 
May  the  slow  mules  and  funeral  car  command. 
Nor  shalt  thou  death,  nor  shalt  thou  danger  dread: 
Safe. through  the  foe  by  his  protection  led: 
Thee  Hermes  to  Pelides  shall  convey, 
Guard  of  thy  life,  and  partner  of  thy  way. 
Fierce  as  he  is,  Achilles'  self  shall  spare 
Thy  age,  nor  touch  one  venerable  hair; 
Some  thought  there  must  be  in  a  soul  so  brave. 
Some  sense  of  duty,  some  desire  to  save." 

She  spoke,  and  vanish'd.     Priam  bids  prepare 
His  gentle  mules  and  harness  to  the  car; 
There,  for  the  gifts,  a  polish'd  casket  lay: 
His  pious  sons  the  king's  command  obey. 
Then  pass'd  the  monarch  to  his  bridal-room, 
Where  cedar-beams  the  lofty  roofs  perfume. 
And  where  the  treasures  of  his  empire  lay; 
Then  call'd  his  queen,  and  thus  began  to  say: 

"Unhappy  consort  of  a  king  distress'd! 
Partake  the  troubles  of  thy  husband's  breast: 
I  saw  descend  the  messenger  of  Jove, 
Who  bids  me  try  Achilles'  mijid  to  move; 
Forsake  these  ramparts,  and  with  gifts  obtain 
The  corse  of  Heotor,  at  yon  navy  slain. 


THE  ILIAD.  527 

Tell  me  thy  thought:  my  heart  impels  to  go 
Through  hostile  camps,  aud  bears  me  to  the  foe." 

The  hoary  monarch  thus.     Her  piercing  (iries 
Sad  Hecuba  renews,  and  then  replies: 
"Ah!  whither  wamlers  thy  disteniper'd  mind? 
And  where  the  prudence  now  that  awed  mankind? 
Though  Phrygia  once  anl  foreign  regions  known; 
Now  all  confused,  distracted,  ove.rthrown! 
Singly  to  pass  through  hosts  of  foes!  to  face 
(0  heart  of  steel!)  the  murderer  of  thy  race! 
To  view  that  deathful  eye,  and  wander  o'er 
Those  hands  yet  red  witli  Hector's  noble  gore! 
^Alas!  my  lord!  he  knows  not  how  to  spare, 
And  what  liis  mercy,  thy  slain  sons  declare; 
So  brave!  so  many  fallen!     To  claim  liis  rage 
Vain  were  thy  dignity,  and  vain  thy  age. 
No — pent  in  this  sad  palace,  let  us  give 
To  grief  the  wretche<l  days  we  have  to  live. 
Still,  still  for  Hector  let  our  sorrows  flow, 
Born  to  his  own,  and  to  his  parents'  woe! 
Doom'd  from  the  hour  his  luckless  life  begun, 
To  dogs,  to  vultures,  and  to  Peleus'  son! 
Oh!  in  his  dearest  blood  might  I  allay 
My  rage,  and  these  barbarities  repay! 
For  ah!  could  Hector  merit  thus,  whose  breath 
Expired  not  meanly,  in  unactivo  tieath? 
Ho  poured  his  latest  blood  in  manly  fight, 
And  fell  a  hero  in  his  country's  right." 

"Seek  not  to  stay  me,  nor  my  soul  alTright 
With  words  of  omen,  like  a  bird  of  night 
(Heplied  unmoved  the  veneraljle  man); 
'Tis  heaven  commands  me.  and  you  urge  in  vain. 
Had  any  mortal  v(ji(;e  the  injunction  laid, 
Nor  augur,  priest,  jjor  seer,  had  been  obey'd. 
A  present  goddess  brought  the  liigh  conimand, 
I  saw,  I  Ijoarij  iiur,  and  the  word  shall  stand. 
I  go,  ye  gods!  obodient  to  your  call : 
If  in  yon  camp  your  powers  liav(3  doom'd  my  fall, 
Content — Hy  the  same  hand  h-t  me  «;xpire! 
Add  to  the  slaughter'd  son  the  wretchod  sire! 
One  colli  embrace  at  least  may  be  allow'd, 
And  my  last  tears  flow  mingled  with  his  blood!" 

From  forth  liis  opcnM  stores,  this  Haiti,  he  drew 
Twelve  costly  carpets  of  refulgent  hue. 
As  many  vests,  a.s  many  mantles  told. 


528  THE  ILTAD. 

And  twelve  fair  veils,  and  garments  stiff  with  gold. 
Two  tripods  next,  and  twice  two  chargers  shine, 
With  ten  pure  talents  from  the  richest  mine; 
And  last  a  large  well-hibor'd  bowl  had  place 
(The  pledge  of  treaties  once  with  friendly  Thrace): 
Seem'd  all  too  mean  the  stores  he  could  employ, 
For  one  last  look  to  buy  him  back  to  Troy! 
Lo!  the  sad  father,  frantic  with  his  pain, 
Aiound  him  furious  drives  his  menial  train: 
In  vain  each  slave  with  duteous  care  attends, 
Each  office  hurts  him,  and  each  face  offends. 
"What  make  ye  here,  officious  crowd!  (he  cries): 
Hence!  nor  obtrude  your  anguish  on  my  eyes. 
Have  ye  no  griefs  at  home,  to  fix  ye  there: 
Am  I  the  only  object  of  despair? 
Am  I  become  my  people's  common  show, 
Set  up  by  Jove  your  spectacle  of  woe? 
No,  you  must  feel  him  too;  yourselves  must  fall; 
The  same  stern  god  to  ruin  gives  you  all: 
Nor  is  great  Hector  lost  by  me  alone; 
Your  sole  defence,  your  guardian  power  is  gone! 
I  see  your  blood  the  fields  of  Phrygia  drown, 
I  see  the  ruins  of  your  smoking  town! 
0  send  me,  gods!  ere  that  sad  day  shall  come, 
A  willing  ghost  to  Pluto's  dreary  dome!" 

He  said,  and  feebly  drives  his  friends  away: 
The  sorrowing  friends  his  frantic  rage  obey. 
Next  on  his  sons  his  erring  fury  falls, 
Polites,  Paris,  Agathon,  he  calls; 
His  threats  Dei'phobus  and  Dius  hear, 
Hippothous,  Pammon,  Helenes  the  seer,_ 
And  generous  Antiphon:  for  yet  these  nine 
Survived,  sad  relics  of  his  numerous  line, 

"Inglorious  sons  of  an  unhappy  sire! 
Why  did  not  all  in  Hector's  cause  expire? 
Wretch  that  I  am !  my  bravest  offspring  slain, 
You,  the  disgrace  of  Priam's  house,  remain! 
Mestor  the  brave,  renown'd  in  ranks  of  war. 
With  Troilus,  dreadful  on  his  rushing  oar,* 
And  last  great  Hector,  more  than  man  divine. 
For  sure  he  seem'd  not  of  terrestrial  line! 


*  "  Troilus  is  only  once  named  in  tlie  Iliad;  be  was  mentioned 
also  in  the  Cypriad,  but  bis  youth,  beauty  and  untimely  end 
made  him  an  object  of  great  interest  with  the  subsequent  poets." 
— Grote,  i.  p.  399. 


TI]E  ILIAD.  529 

All  those  relentless  Mars  untimely  slew, 
And  left  me  these,  a  soft  and  servile  crew. 
Whose  days  the  feast  and  wanton  dance  employ, 
Gluttons  and  flatterers,  the  contempt  of  Troy! 
Why  teach  ye  not  my  rapid  wheels  to  run. 
And  speed  mv  journey  to  redeem  my  son?" 

The  sons  their  fatlier's  wretclied  age  revere, 
Forgive  his  anger,  and  produce  the  car. 
High  on  the  seat  the  cabinet  they  bind: 
The  new-made  car  with  solid  beauty  shined; 
13ox  was  the  yoke,  emboss'd  with  costly  pains. 
And  hung  with  ringlets  to  receive  the  reins; 
Nine  cubits  long,  tiio  traces  swept  the  ground: 
These  to  the  chariot's  polish'd  pole  they  bound, 
Then  fix'd  a  ring  the  running  reins  to  guide, 
And  close  beneath  the  gather'd  ends  were  tied. 
Next  with  the  gifts  (the  price  of  Hector  slain) 
The  sad  attendants  load  the  groaning  wain : 
Last  to  the  yoke  the  well-matched  mules  they  bring 
(The  gift  of\Mysia  to  the  Trojan  king). 
lint  the  fair  iiorses,  long  his  darling  care. 
Himself  received,  and  harness'd  to  his  car: 
Grieved  as  he  was,  he  not  this  task  denied; 
The  hoary  herald  hcli)"d  him,  at  his  side. 
While  careful  these  the  gentle  coursers  join'd. 
Sad  Hecuba  approach'd  with  anxious  mind; 
A  golden  bowl  tiiat  foam'd  with  fr:igrant  wine 
(Libation  destined  to  the  power  divine), 
Held  in  her  right,  before  the  steed  she  stands. 
And  thus  consigns  it  to  the  monarcdi's  hands: 

"Take  this,  and  pour  to  Jove;  that  safe  from  harms 
His  grace  restore  thee  to  our  roof  and  arms. 
Since  victor  of  thy  fears,  anri  slighting  mine. 
Heaven,  or  thy  soul,  insjiires  this  Ijold  ilesign; 
I'ray  to  that  god,  who  high  on  Idii's  brow 
Surveys  thy  desolated  realms  below, 
Jlis  winged  messenger  to  send  from  high. 
And  lead  thy  way  with  heaveidy  augury: 
Let  tiio  Htrong  sovcreigu  of  tlic  phiniy  race 
Tower  on  the  right  of  yon  ctln'real  .si)act'. 
That  sign  beheld,  and  streiigtlienM  from  above, 
Boldly  pursue  the  j<»urney  mark'd  by  Jovo: 
liut  if  the  god  his  augury  donies, 
Suppress  thy  impulse,  nor  reject  advice." 


530  THE  ILIAD. 

"  'Tis  just  (said  Priam)  to  the  sire  above 
To  raise  our  hands;  for  who  so  good  as  Jove?" 
He  spoke,  and  hade  the  attendant  handmaid  bring 
The  purest  water  of  the  living  spring 
(Her  ready  hands  the  ewer  and  bason  held): 
Then  took  the  golden  cup  his  queen  had  fill'd; 
On  the  mid  pavement  pours  the  rosy  wine, 
Uplifts  his  eyes,  and  calls  the  power  divine: 

"0  first  and  greatest  I  heaven's  imperial  lord! 
On  lofty  Ida's  holy  hill  adored! 
To  stern  Achilles  now  direct  my  ways, 
And  teach  him  mercy  when  a  father  prays. 
If  such  thy  will,  despatcli  from  yonder  sky 
Thy  sacred  bird,  celestial  augury! 
Let  the  strong  sovereign  of  the  plumy  race 
Tower  on  the  right  of  yon  ethereal  space;. 
So  shall  thy  suppliant,  strengthen 'd  from  above, 
Fearless  pursue  the  journey  mark'd  by  Jove." 

Jove  heard  his  prayer,  and  from  the  throne  on  high, 
Despatch'd  his  bird,  celestial  augury. 
The  swift-wing'd  chaser  of  the  feather'd  game, 
And  known  to  gods  by  Percnos'  lofty  name. 
Wide  as  appears  some  palace-gate  display'd, 
So  broad,  his  pinions  stretch'd  their  ample  shade, 
As  stooping  dexter  with  resounding  wings 
The  imperial  bird  descends  in  airy  rings. 
A  dawn  of  joy  in  every  face  ajipears: 
The  mourning  matron  dries  her  timorous  tears: 
Swift  on  his  car  the  impatient  monarch  sprung; 
The  brazen  portal  in  his  passage  rung; 
The  mules  preceding  draw  the  loaded  wain, 
Charged  with  the  gifts:  Ida^us  holds  the  rein: 
The  king  himself  his  gentle  steeds  controls. 
And  through  surrounding  friends  the  chariot  rolls. 
On  his  slow  wheels  the  following  people  wait, 
Mourn  at  each  step,  and  give  him  up  to  fate; 
With  hands  uplifted  eye  him  as  he  pass'd. 
And  gaze  upon  him  as  they  gazed  their  last. 
Now  forward  fares  the  father  on  his  way. 
Through  the  lone  fields,  and  back  to  Ilion  they. 
Great  Jove  beheld  liim  as  he  cross'd  the  plain, 
And  felt  the  woes  of  miserable  man. 
Then  thus  to  Hermes:  "Thou  Avhose  constant  cares 
Sitll  succor  mortals,  and  attend  their  prayers; 
Behold  an  object  to  thy  charge  consign 'd: 


THE  ILIAD.  531 

If  ever  pity  tonclrd  thee  for  maukind. 

Go,  guard  the  sire:  the  observing  foe  prevent, 

And  safe  conduct  him  to  Achilles'  teut." 

The  god  obeys,  his  golden  pinions  binds,* 
And  mounts  incumbent  on  the  wings  of  winds. 
That  high,  through  fields  of  air,  his  flight  sustain. 
O'er  the  wide  earth,  and  o'er  the  boundless  main; 
Then  grasps  the  wand  that  causes  sleep  to  fly. 
Or  in  soft  slumbers  seals  the  wakeful  eye: 
Thus  arm'd,  swift  Hermes  steers  his  airy  way, 
And  stoops  on  Hellespont's  resounding  sea. 
A  beauteous  youth,  majestic  and  divine. 
He  seem'd;  fair  offspring  of  some  princely  lino! 
Now  twilight  veil'd  the  glaring  face  of  day. 
And  clad  the  dusky  fields  in  sober  gray; 
What  time  the  herald  and  the  hoary  king 
(Their  chariots  stop])ing  at  the  silver  spring, 
That  circling  II us'  ancient  marble  flows), 
Ailow'd  their  mules  and  steeds  a  short  repose, 
Through  the  dim  shade  the  herald  first  espies 
A  man's  approacii,  and  thus  to  Priam  cries: 

*  Milton   lias   rivalled  this  passage  describing  the  descent  of 
Gabriel,  "  Paradise  Lost,"  bk.  v.  266,  seq. 

"  Down  thither  prone  in  flipht 
He  speeds,  and  throuji^h  tlie  vast  ethc^real  sky 
Sails  between  worlds  and  worlds,  with  steady  wing, 
Now  on  the  polar  winds,  then  with  quick  faa 
Winnows  the  buxoui  air. 

•  •  *  *  *  « 

At  once  on  th'  eastern  clifT  of  Panuliso 
He  lif^hts,  and  to  his  propt-r  shape  returns 
A  seraph  wing'd.     ♦     »     ♦ 

Like  Maia's  son  he  stood, 
And  shook  his  plunies,  that  heavenly  fragrance  fill'd 
Tlie  circuit  wide." 
Virgil,  .Kn.  iv.  'A'tii: 

"  Hernifs  f)i)fys;   with  golden  pinions  binds 
His  Hying  feet  and  mounts  tin-  wistt-m  winds; 
And  wiiether  o'er  the  seas  or  ••urlii  he  Hies, 
Witii  rapid  force  they  l)enr  iiiin  down  the  skies. 
But  first  hi-  grasps  within  his  awful  hand 
Th»!  mark  of  sovfrt-igM  |M)wer,  his  magic  wand; 
With  this  liM  draws  tin*  gb«»^'l  from  hollow  grav«'S; 
With  tliis  lie  tirives  them  frnm  the  Stygian  waves: 

Thns  arm'd,  the  go<l  begins  his  airy  race. 
And  drives  the  racking  clouds  along  the  liquid  space. " 

— Dry  den. 


532  THE  ILIAD. 

"I  mark  some  foe's  advance:  0  king!  beware; 

This  hard  adventure  chiims  thy  utmost  care! 

For  much  I  fear  destruction  hovers  nigh: 

Our  state  asks  counsel ;  is  it  best  to  fly? 

Or  old  and  helpless,  at  liis  feet  to  fall, 

Two  wretched  suppliants,  and  for  mercy  call?" 

The  afflicted  monarch  shiver'd  with  despair; 
Pale  grew  his  face,  and  upright  stood  his  hair; 
Sunk  was  his  heart;  his  color  went  and  came; 
A  sudden  trembling  shook  Jiis  aged  frame: 
When  Hermes,  greeting,  touch 'd  his  royal  hand, 
And,  gentle,  thus  accosts  with  kind  demand: 

"Say  whither,  father!  when  each  mortal  sight 
Is  seal'd  in  sleep,  thou  wauderest  through  the  night? 
Why  roam  thy  mules  and  steeds  the  plains  along, 
Through  Grecian  foes,  so  numerous  and  so  strong? 
What  couldst  though  hope,  should  these  thy  treasures 

view; 
These,  who  with  endless  hate  thy  race  pursue? 
For  what  defence,  alas!  could'st  thou  provide; 
Thyself  not  young,  a  weak  old  man  thy  guide? 
Yet  sufEer  not  thy  soul  to  sink  with  dread ; 
Froni  me  no  harm  shall  touch  thy  reverend  head; 
From' Greece  I'll  guard  thee  too;  for  in  those  lines 
The  living  image  of  my  fatlier  shines." 

"Thy  words,  that  speak  benevolence  of  mind. 
Are  true,  my  son!  (the  godlike  sire  rejoin'd): 
Great  are  my  hazards;  but  the  gods  survey 
My  steps,  and  send  thee,  guardian  of  my  way. 
Hail,  and  be  bless'd!     P'or  scarce  of  mortal  kind 
Appear  thy  form,  thy  feature,  and  thy  mind." 

"Nor  true  are  all  thy  words,  nor  erring  wide 
(The  sacred  messenger  of  heaven  replied); 
But  say,  convey'st  thou  through  the  lonely  plains 
What  yet  most  precious  of  thy  store  remains, 
To  lodge  in  safety  with  some  friendly  hand: 
Prepared,  perphance,  to  leave  thy  native  land? 
Or  fliest  thou  Jiow? — What  hopes  can  Troy  retain, 
Thy  matchless  son,  her  guard  and  glory,  slain?" 

The  king,  alarm'd:  "Say  what,  and  whence  thou  art 
Who  search  the  sorrows  of  a  parent's  heart. 
And  know  so  well  how  godlike  Hector  died?" 
Thus  Priam  spoke,  and  Hermes  thus  replied: 

"You  tempt  me,  father,  and  with  pity  touch: 
On  this  sad  subject  you  inquire  toe  i.;uch. 


THE  ILIAD.  533 

Oft  have  these  eyes  that  godlike  Hector  view'd 

In  glorious  fight,  with  Grecian  blood  embrued: 

I  saw  him  when,  lii^e  Jove,  his  flames  he  toss'd 

On  thousand  ships,  and  witherM  half  a  host: 

I  saw,  but  help'd  not:  stern  Acliilles'  ire 

Forbade  assistance,  and  enjoy'd  the  fire. 

For  him  1  serve,  of  Myrmidonian  race; 

One  ship  convey'd  us  from  our  native  place. 

Polyctor  is  my  sire,  an  honor'd  name. 

Old  like  thyself,  and  not  unknown  to  fame; 

Of  seven  his  sons,  by  whom  the  lot  was  cast 

To  serve  our  prince,  it  fell  on  me,  the  last. 

To  watch  this  quarter,  my  adventure  falls: 

For  with  the  morn  the  Greeks  attack  your  walls; 

Sleepless  they  sit,  impatient  to  engage. 

And  scarce  their  rulers  check  their  martial  rage." 

'*lf  then  thou  art  cf  stern  Pelides'  train 
(The  mournful  monarch  thus  rejoin'd  again), 
Ah  tell  me  truly,  where,  oh  I  where  are  laid 
My  son's  dear  relics?  what  befalls  him  dead? 
Have  dogs  dismember'd  (on  the  naked  j)lains). 
Or  yet  unmangled  rest,  his  cold  remains?" 

"0  favor'd  of  the  skies!  (thus  answer'd  then 
The  power  that  meditates  between  god  and  men.) 
Nor  drtgs  nor  vultures  have  thy  Hector  rent, 
Hut  whole  he  lies,  neglected  in  the  tent: 
This  the  twelfth  evening  since  ho  rested  there, 
Untouch'd  l)y  worms,  tintaintcd  by  the  air. 
Still  as  Aurora's  ruddy  beam  is  spread, 
Uuund  his  friend's  tomb  Achilles  drags  the  dead 
Vet  undisfigurcd,  or  in  liml)  or  fafo. 
All  fresh  lie  lies,  with  every  living  grace, 
Majestical  in  death  !     No  stains  are  found 
O'er  all  the  corse,  and  chtsed  is  every  wound. 
Though  many  a  wound  they  gave.     Souk!  heavenly  care, 
S<ime  hand  divine,  preserves  him  ever  fair: 
Or  all  the  host  of  Imavcn,  to  whom  he  led 
A  life  so  gratctfiil.  still  regard  him  dead." 

Thus  spfiko  to  I'riam  the  rwdrstial  guide, 
And  joyful  thus  the  royal  sire  replied: 
"HIest  is  \ho.  man  who  pays  the  gods  attove 
The  constant  tribute  of  respect  and  lovel 
Those  who  inhabit  the  Olympian  bower 
My  son  forgot  not.  in  cxalffd  power; 
And  heaven,  that  every  virtue  bears  in  mind, 


534  THE  ILIAD. 

Even  to  the  ashes  of  the  just  is  kind. 
But  thou,  0  generous  youth!  this  goblet  take, 
A  pledge  of  gratitude  for  Hector's  sake; 
And  while  the  favoring  gods  our  steps  survey, 
Safe  to  Pelides'  tent  conduct  my  way." 

To  whom  the  latent  god:  "0  king,  forbear 
To  tempt  my  youth,  for  apt  is  youth  to  err: 
But  can  I,  absent  from  my  prince's  sight, 
Take  gifts  in  secret,  that  must  shun  the  light? 
What  from  our  master's  interest  thus  we  draw, 
Is  but  a  licensed  theft  that  'scapes  the  law. 
Respecting  him,  my  soul  abjures  the  offence; 
Anct  as  the  crime,  I  dread  the  consequence. 
Thee,  far  as  Argos,  pleased  I  could  convey; 
Guard  of  thy  life,  and  partner  of  thy  way: 
On  thee  attend,  thy  safety  to  maintain, 
O'er  pathless  forests,  or  the  roaring  main." 

He.  said,  then  took  the  chariot  at  a  bound, 
And  snatch'd  the  reins,  and  whirl'd  the  lash  around: 
Before  the  inspiring  god  that  urged  them  on, 
The  coursers  fly  with  spirit  not  their  own. 
And  now  they  reach 'd  the  naval  walls,  and  found 
The  guards  repasting,  while  the  bowls  go  round; 
On  these  the  virtue  of  his  wand  he  tries. 
And  pours  dee])  slumber  on  their  watchful  eyes: 
Then  heaved  the  massy  gates,  removed  the  bars, 
And  o'er  the  trenches  led  the  rolling  cars. 
Unseen,  through  all  the  hostile  camp  they  went. 
And  now  approach 'd  Pelides'  lofty  tent. 
On  hrs  the  roof  was  raised,  and  cover'd  o'er 
With  reeds  collected  from  the  marshy  shore; 
And,  fenced  with  palisades,  a  hall  of  state 
(The  work  of  soldiers),  where  the  heroes  sate. 
Large  was  the  door,  whose  well-compacted  strength 
A  solid  pine-tree  barr'd  of  wondrous  length: 
Scarce  three  strong  Greeks  could  lift  its  mighty  weight, 
But  great  Achilles  singly  closed  the  gate. 
This  Hermes  (such  the  power  of  gods)  set  wide; 
Then  swift  alighted  the  celestial  guide, 
And  thus  reveal'd — "Hear,  prince!  and  understand 
Thou  ow'st  thy  guidance  to  no  mortal  hand: 
Hermes  I  am,  descended  from  above, 
The  king  of  arts,  the  messenger  of  Jove. 
Farewell:  to  shun  Achilles'  sight  I  fly; 
Uncommon  are  such  favors  of  the  sky, 


THE  ILIAD.  535 

Nor  stand  confess'd  to  frail  mortalit}'. 
Now  fearless  enter,  and  prefer  thy  pra3'ers; 
Adjure  liim  by  his  father's  silver  hairs, 
His  son,  his  motherl  urge  him  to  bestow 
Whatever  pity  that  stern  heart  can  know." 

Thus  having  said,  he  vanish 'd  from  his  eyes, 
And  in  a  moment  shot  into  the  skies: 
The  king,  contirm'd  from  heaven,  alighted  there, 
And  left  his  aged  herald  on   the  car, 
With  solemn  pace  through  various  rooms  he  went. 
And  found  Achilles  in  his  inner  tent: 
There  sat  the  hero:  Alcimus  the  brave. 
And  great  Automedon,  attendance  gave: 
These  served  his  person  at  the  royal  feast; 
Around,  at  awful  distance,  stood  the  rest. 

Unseen  by  these,  the  king  liis  entry  made: 
And,  prostrate  now  before  Achilles  laid, 
.Sudden  (a  venerable  sight  I)  appears; 
Enjbraced  i)is  knees,  and  bathed  his  hands  in  tears; 
Those  direful  hands  his  kisses  press'd,  embrued 
Even  with  the  best,  the  dearest  of  his  blood! 

As  when  a  wretch  (who,  conscious  of  his  crime, 
Pursued  for  murder,  flies  his  native  clime) 
Just  gains  some  frontier,  breathless,  pale,  amazed, 
All  gaze,  all  womhu':  thus  Achilles  gazed: 
Thus  stood  the  attendants  stupid  with  surprise: 
All  mute,  yet  seem'd  to  question  with  their  eyes: 
Hacii  lookM  on  other,  none  the  silence  broke. 
Till  thus  at  last  the  kingly  sujipliant  spoke: 

"All  think,  thou-favor'd  of  the  powers  divine!* 


*  In  reference  to  ili«  wliole  scene  that  follows,  the  remarks  of 

<'<>lcriilir<'  are  \v«;ll  worth  readiiif^': 

"  H_v  a  r;lf)si'  stiuly  of  lift',  and  l)y  a  true  and  natural  mode  of 
<'X|>rHSMinf^  every thinj,'.  Homer  was  eiialile<l  to  venttin-  iiixm  the 
most  peculiar  and  ditiicult  situations,  and  to  extricate  hiniHeif 
from  them  with  the  rrdnpletest  success.  The  whole  scene  be- 
tween Achilles  and  Priam,  when  tlie  lattrT  comes  to  the  (Ireek 
rHm|>  for  the  piir|ioHe  f(f  redeeming;  the  hody  of  Hector,  is  at  once 
the  ifi'iHi  profoundly  skillful,  and  yet  ihe  >imidest  anil  most  ulTect- 
in^  pa^saj^e  in  the  Iliad.  Cjuinctilian  has  taken  notice  of  the  fol- 
lowing sjieech  of  I'riam,  the  rhetorical  artilice  of  which  is  so 
tran.scendant,  that  if  genius  did  not  often,  especially  in  oratr)ry, 
inconsciously  fulfill  tiie  most  Huhtle  precepta  of  criticism,  we 
might  he  induced,  on  tliis  account  alone,  lo  consiiler  the  last  luMtk 
of  the  Iliad  as  what  is  called  spurious,  in  r>tlier  worils,  of  later 
date  than  the  rest  of  the  poem.  Oliserve  the  exiiuisite  taste  of 
I'riam  in  occupying  the  mind  of  AcbilleH,  from  the  outaut,  wilU 


536  THE  ILIAD. 

Think  of  thy  father's  age,  aud  pity  mine! 

In  me  that  father's  reverend  image  trace. 

Those  silver  liairs,  that  venerable  face; 

His  trembling  limbs,  his  helpless  person,  see! 

Is  all  my  equal,  but  in  misery! 

Yet  now,  perhaps,  some  turn  of  human  fate 

Expels  him  helpless  from  his  peaceful  state; 

Think,  from  some  powerful  foe  thou  seest  him  fly, 

And  beg  protection  with  a  feeble  cry. 

Yet  still  one  comfort  in  his  soul  may  rise; 

He  hears  his  son  still  lives  to  glad  his  eyes, 

And,  hearing,  still  may  hope  a  better  day 

May  send  him  thee,  to  chase  that  foe  away. 

No  comfort  to  my  griefs,  no  hopes  remain. 

The  best,  the  bravest,  of  my  sons  are  slain! 

Yet  what  a  race!  ere  Greece  to  Ilion  came. 

The  pledge  of  many  a  loved  and  loving  dame: 

Nineteen  one  mother  bore — Dead,  all  are  dead! 

How  oft,  alas!  has  wretched  Priam  bled! 

Still  one  was  left  their  loss  to  recompense; 

His  father's  hope,  his  country's  last  defence. 

Him  too  thy  rage  has  slain !  beneath  thy  steel, 

Unhappy  in  his  country's  cause  he  fell! 

"For  him  through  hostile  camps  I  bent  my  way, 
For  him  thus  prostrate  at  thy  feet  I  lay; 
Large  gifts  proportion'd  to  thy  wrath  I  bear; 
0  hear  the  wretched,  and  the  gods  revere! 

"Think  of  thy  father,  and  this  face  behold! 
See  him  in  me,  as  helpless  and  as  old! 
Though  not  so  wretched:  there  he  yields  to  me, 
The  first  of  men  in  sovereign  misery! 
Thus  forced  to  kneel,  thus  grovelling  to  embrace 
The  scourge  and  ruin  of  my  realm  and  race; 
Suppliant  my  children's  murderer  to  implore, 
And  kiss  those  hands  yet  reeking  with  their  gore!" 

the  image  of  bis  father;  in  gradually  introducing  the  parallel  of 
his  own  situation;  aud,  lastly,  mentioning  Hector's  name  when 
he  perceives  that  the  hero  is  softened,  and  then  only  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  flatter  the  pride  of  the  conqueror.  The  eyoo  5' 
eXeEtvoTEpoi  nap,  'and  the  dnvdazo  rjxoc  yepovra,  are  not 
exactly  like  the  tone  of  the  earlier  parts  of  the  Iliad.  They  are 
almost  too  fine  and  pathetic.  The  whole  passage  defies  trans- 
lation, for  there  is  that  about  the  Greek  which  has  no  name,  but 
which  is  of  so  fine  and  ethereal  a  subtlety  that  it  can  only  be  felt 
in  the  original,  and  is  lost  in  an  attempt  to  transfuse  it  into 
another  language  " — Coleridge,  p.  195. 


TEE  ILIAD.  537 

These  \vor(]s  soft  pity  in  the  chief  inspire, 
Touch'd  witli  the  dear  remembrance  of  his  sire. 
Then  with  his  hand  (as  prostrate  still  he  lay) 
The  old  man's  cheek  he  gently  turn'd  away. 
Now  each  by  turns  indulged  tlie  gush  of  woe; 
And  now  the  mingled  tides  together  flow: 
This  low  on  earth,  that  gently  bending  o'er; 
A  father  one,  and  one  a  son  deplore: 
But  great  Achilles  different  passions  rend, 
And  now  his  sire  he  mourns,  and  now  his  friend. 
The  infectious  softness  through  the  heroes  ran 
One  universal  solemn  shower  began; 
They  bore  as  heroes,  but  they  felt  as  man. 

Satiate  at  length  with  unavailing  woes, 
From  the  high  throne  divine  Achilles  rose; 
The  reverend  monarch  by  the  hand  he  raised; 
On  his  white  beard  and  form  majestic  gazed, 
Not  unrelenting;  then  serene  began 
AVith  words  to  soothe  the  miserable  man: 

"Alas,  what  w«dght  of  anguish  hast  thou  known, 
Unhappy  princel  thus  guardless  and  alone 
To  pass  through  foes,  and  thus  undaunted  face 
The  man  whose  fury  has  destroy 'd  thy  race! 
Heaven  sure  has  arm'd  thee  with  a  heart  of  steel, 
A  strength  proportion'd  to  the  woes  you  feel. 
Ki.se,  then:  let  reason  mitigate  your  care: 
To  mourn  avails  not:  man  is  born  to  bear. 
Such  is,  alas  I  the  gods'  severe  decree: 
They,  only  they  are  blent,  and  only  free. 
Two  urns  by  .Jove's  high  throne  have  ever  stood, 
The  source  of  evil  one,  and  one  of  good; 
From  thence  the  cup  of  mortal  man  ho  tills, 
IJlessingri  to  these,  to  those  distributes  ill; 
To  most  he  mingles  both:  the  wretch  dectreod 
To  taste  the  bad  unmix'd,  is  cursed  indeed; 
Pursue<l  by  wr<mgs,  by  meagre  famine  driven, 
He  wanders,  outcast  both  of  earth  and  lieaven. 
The  happiest  taste  not  hapj  inexs  Hiiircrc; 
]iut  find  the  cordial  liraugbt  is  dasliM  with  care. 
Who  more  than  I'eleus  shone  in  wealtii  irnd  nowor 
"What  stars  concurring  IjJess'd  his  natal  hour; 
A  realm,  a  goddess,  to  his  wishes  given; 
Graced  l)y  the  gods  witli  all  tli(!  gifts  of  Jioavcn. 
One  evil  yet  o'crtakcs  his  latest  day: 
No  race  auccccding  to  imperial  sway; 


538  '  THE  ILIAD. 

An  only  son;  and  he^  alas!  ordaiu'd 
To  fall  iintinielv  in  a  foreign  land. 
See  him,  in  Troy,  the  pious  care  decline 
Of  his  weak  age,  to  live  the  curse  of  thine! 
Thou  too,  old  man,  hast  happier  days  heheld; 
In  riches  once,  in  children  once  excell'd; 
Extended  Phrygia  own'd  thy  ample  reign, 
And  all  fair  Lesbos'  blissful  seats  contain, 
And  all  wide  Hellespont's  unmeasured  main. 
But  since  the  god  his  hand  has  j^leased  to  turn, 
And  fill  thy  measure  from  his  bitter  urn. 
What  sees  the  sun,  but  hapless  heroes'  falls? 
War,  and  the  blood  of  men,  surround  thy  walls! 
What  must  be,  must  be.     Bear  thy  lot,  nor  shed 
These  unavailing  sorrows  o'er  the  dead; 
Thou  canst  not  call  him  from  the  Stygian  shore, 
But  thou,  alas!  may'st  live  to  suffer  more!" 

To  Avhom  the  king:  "0  favor'd  of  the  skies! 
Here  let  me  grow  to  earth!  since  Hector  lies 
On  the  bare  beach  deprived  of  obsequies. 

0  give  me  Hector!  to  my  eyes  restore 

His  corse,  and  take  the  gifts:  I  ask  no  more. 
Thou,  as  thou  may'st,  these  boundless  stores  enjoy; 
Safe  may'st  thou  sail,  and  turn  thy  wrath  from  Troy: 
So  shall  thy  jDity  and  forbearance  give 
A  weak  old  man  to  see  the  light  and  live!" 

"Move  me  no  more  (Achilles  thus  replies, 
While  kindling  anger  sparkled  in  his  eyes). 
Nor  seek  by  tears  my  steady  soul  to  bend: 
To  yield  thy  Hector  I  myself  intend: 
For  know,  from  Jove  my  goddess-mother  came 
(Old  Ocean's  daughter,  silver-footed  dame), 
Nor  comest  thou  but  by  heaven;  nor  comest  alone, 
Some  god  impels  with  courage  not  thy  own: 
No  human  hand  the  weighty  gates  unbarr'd. 
Nor  could  the  boldest  of  our  youth  have  dared 
To  pass  our  outworks,  or  elude  the  guard. 
Cease;  lest,  neglectful  of  high  Jove's  command, 

1  show  thee,  king!  thou  tread'st  on  hostile  laud; 
Release  my  krtees,  thy  suppliaiit  arts  give  o'er, 
And  shake  the  purpose  of  my  soul  no  more," 

The  sire  obey'd  him,  trembling  and  o'eraw'd. 
Achilles  like  a  lion,  rush'd  abroad: 
Automedon  and  Alcimus  attend 
(Whom  most  he  honor'd  since  he  lost  his  friend), 


THE  ILIAD.  539 

These  to  unyoke  the  mules  aud  horses  went, 

And  led  the  hoary  herakl  to  the  tent; 

Next,  heap'd  on  high,  the  numerous  presents  bear 

(Great  Hector's  ransom),  from  the  polish 'd  car. 

Two  splendid  mantles,  and  a  carpet  spread, 

They  leave;  to  cover  and  enwrap  the  dead. 

Then  call  the  handmaids,  with  assistant  toil 

To  wash  the  body  and  anoint  with  oil, 

Apart  from  Priam :  lest  the  unhappy  sire. 

Provoked  to  passion,  once  more  rouse  to  ire 

The  stern  Pelides;  and  nor  sacred  age. 

Nor  Jove's  command,  should  check  the  rising  rage. 

This  done,  the  garments  o'er  the  corse  they  spread; 

Achilles  lifts  it  to  tlie  funeral  bed : 

Then,  while  the  body  on  the  car  they  laid, 

He  groans,  and  calls  on  loved  Patroclus'  shade: 

"If,  in  that  gloom  which  never  light  must  know, 
The  deeds  of  mortals  touch  the  ghosts  below, 
0  friend!  forgive  me,  that  I  thus  fulfill 
(Restoring  Hector)  heaven's  unquestiou'd  will. 
The  gifts  the  father  gave,  be  ever  thine, 
To  grace  thy  manes,  and  adorn  thy  shrine.*'* 

He  said,  and,  entering,  took  his  sciit  of  state; 
"Where  full  before  him  reverend  Priam  sate; 
To  whom,  composed,  the  godlike  chief  begun: 
"Lo!  to  thy  prayer  restored,  thy  breathless  sou; 
Extended  on  ti»e  funeral  couch  he  lies; 
And  soon  as  morning  paints  the  eastern  skies. 


*  "  Achillea'  ferocious  treatment  of  the  corpse  of  Hector  cannot 
Vjut  offend  as  referred  to  the  modern  standard  of  humanity.  The 
iKToio  ai,'e,  lio\v(5Vt;r,  must  be  judged  in'  its  own  moral  laws.  Ile- 
trii»utivo  vengeance  on  the  dead,  as  well  as  the  livinj^,  was  a  duty 
inculcated  by  the  r<dif^ii)n  of  those  i>arl)uri)us  times,  which  not 
only  taught  that  evil  intlicled  on  the  autimr  of  evil  was  a  sidace 
to  the  injureil  man;  but  made  the  wtdfuit'  of  the  soul  after  death 
dependent  on  the  fate  of  the  body  from  which  it  had  scrparated. 
Hence  a  denial  of  the  rites  essential  to  tlie  soul's  admission  into 
the  more  favored  re>,'i(ins  of  the  biwer  world  was  a  <ruul  punish- 
ment to  the  wanderer  <»n  tlie  dreary  shores  of  the  infernal  river. 
The  compbiint  of  ihej^host  of  I'atrocius  to  Acliiib-s,  of  but  a  brief 
j)ost|)onement  of  his  own  ol)se(piies,  sliows  how  etUcacious  their 
refu.sai  to  the  remains  <d'  liis  destroyer  must  have  been  in  satiating,' 
the  thirst  of  reven(,'e,  whi(di,  even  after  death,  was  sup])Osed  to 
torment  the  dwellers  in  Hades.  Hence,  before  yielding  uji  the 
body  of  liecff)r  to  I'riam,  Achilles  asks  pardon  of  I'utrorlus  for 
even  this  partial  cesaion  of  his  ju.st  rights  of  retribution." — Mure, 
vol.  i.  2«9. 


540  THE  ILIAD. 

The  sight  is  granted  to  thy  longing  eyes; 
But  now  the  peaceful  hours  of  sacred  night 
Demand  reflection,  and  to  rest  invite: 
Nor  thou,  0  father!  thus  consumed  with  woe, 
The  common  cares  that  nourish  life  forego. 
"Not  thus  did  Niobe,  of  form  divine, 
A  parent  once,  whose  sorrows  equall'd  thine: 
Six  youthful  sons,  as  many  blooming  maids, 
In  one  sad  Jay  beheld  the  Stygian  shades; 
Those  by  Apollo's  silver  bow  were  slain, 
These,  Cynthia's  arrows  stretch'd  upon  the  plain: 
So  was  her  pride  chastised  by  wrath  divine, 
Who  match'd  her  own  with  bright  Latona's  line; 
But  two  the  goddess,  twelve  the  queen  enjoy'd; 
Those  boasted  twelve,  the  avenging  two  destroy'd. 
Steep'd  in  their  blood,  and  in  the  dust  outspread. 
Nine  days,  neglected,  lay  exposed  tlie  dead; 
None  by  to  weep  them,  to  inhume  them  none 
(For  Jove  had  turn'd  the  nation  all  to  stone). 
The  gods  themselves,  at  length  relenting  gave 
The  unhappy  race  the  honors  of  a  grave. 
Herself  a  rock  (for  such  was  heaven's  high  will) 
Through  deserts  wild  now  pours  a  weeping  rill; 
Where  round  the  bed  whence  Acheloiis  springs, 
The  watery  fairies  dance  in  mazy  rings; 
There  high  on  Sipylus'  shaggy  brow, 
She  stands,  her  own  sad  monument  of  woe; 
The  rock  forever  lasts,  the  tears  forever  flow. 

"Such  griefs,  0  king!  have  other  parents  known; 
Remember  tiieirs,  and  mitigate  thy  own. 
The  care  of  heaven  tliy  Hector  has  appear'd. 
Nor  shall  he  lie  unwept,  and  uninterr'd; 
Soon  may  thy  aged  cheeks  in  tears  be  drown'd, 
And  all  the  eyes  of  Ilion  stream  around." 

He  said,  and,  rising,  chose  the  victim  ewe 
With  silver  fleece,  which  his  attendants  slew. 
The  limbs  they  sever  from  the  reeking  hide, 
With  skill  prepare  them,  and  in  parts  divide: 
Each  on  the  coals  the  separate  morsels  lays, 
And,  hasty,  snatches  from  the  rising  blaze. 
With  bread  the  glittering  canisters  they  load, 
Which  round  the  board  Automedou  bestow'd. 
The  chief  himself  to  each  his  portion  placed. 
And  each  indulging  shared  in  sweet  repast. 
When  now  the  rage  of  hunger  was  repress'd. 


THE  ILIAD.  641 

The  wondering  hero  eves  his  royal  guest; 
No  less  the  royal  guest  the  hero  eyes, 
His  godlike  aspect  and  majestic  size; 
Here,  youthful  grace  and  noble  fire  engage; 
And  there,  the  mild  benevolence  of  age. 
Thus  gazing  long,  the  silence  neither  broke 
(A  solemn  scenel)  at  length  the  father  spoke: 

"Permit  me  now,  beloved  of  Jove!  to  steep 
^ly  careful  temples  in  the  dew  of  sleep: 
For,  since  the  day  that  number'd  with  the  dead 
My  hapless  son,  the  dust  has  been  my  bed; 
Soft  sleep  a  stranger  to  my  weeping  eyes; 
My  only  food,  my  sorrows  and  my  sighs! 
Till  now,  encouraged  by  the  grace  you  give, 
I  share  thy  bantjuet,  and  consent  to  live." 

With  that,  Achilles  bade  prepare  the  bed, 
With  purple  soft  and  shaggy  carpets  spread; 
Forth,  by  the  llaming  lights,  they  bend  their  way, 
And  place  the  couches  and  the  coverings  lay. 
Then  he:  "Xow,  father,  sleep,  but  sleep  not  here; 
Consult  thy  safety,  and  forgive  my  fear, 
Lest  any  Argive  at  this  hour  awake, 
To  ask  our  counsel,  or  our  orders  take. 
Approaching  sudden  to  our  open'd  tent, 
Perchance  behold  thee,  and  our  grace  prevent. 
Should  such  report  thy  honor'd  person  here, 
The  king  of  men  the  ransom  might  defer: 
But  say  with  speed,  if  aught  of  thy  desire 
llemains  unask'd;  what  time  the  rites  require 
To  inter  thy  Hector?     For,  so  long  we  stay 
Our  slaughtering  arm,  and  bid  the  hosts  obey.'* 

''H  then  tiiy  will  permit  (the  monarch  said) 
To  tinish  all  due  honors  to  the  dead. 
This  of  thy  grace  accord:  to  thee  are  known 
The  fears  of  Jlion,  closed  within  her  town; 
And  at  what  distance  from  our  walls  aspire 
The  hills  of  Idc,  and  forests  for  the  lire. 
Nine  days  to  vent  our  sorrows  I  rcfpiest. 
The  tenlli  shall  see  the  funeral  and  the  feast; 
The  next,  to  raise  liis  monument  be  given; 
The  tw«-Uli  wo  war,  if  war  be  doom'*!  Ijy  heaven!" 

"This  thy  re'piest  (replied  the  rhiof)  enjoy: 
Till  then  our  arms  suspend  the  fall  <if  Troy." 

Then  gave  his  hand  at  parting,  to  prevent 
The  old  man's  fears,  and  ttirn'd  within  the  tent, 


542  THE  ILIAD. 

Where  fair  Briseis,  bright  in  blooming  charms, 

Expects  her  hero  with  desiring  arms. 

But  in  the  porch  the  king  and  herald  rest; 

Sad  dreams  of  care  yet  wandering  in  their  breast. 

Now  gods  and  men  the  gifts  of  sleep  partake; 

Industrious  Hermes  only  was  awake^ 

The  king's  return  revolving  in  his  mind, 

To  pass  the  ramparts,  and  the  watch  to  blind. 

The  power  descending  hover'd  o'er  his  head: 

''And  sleep'st  thou,  father  I  (thus  the  vision  said); 

Now  dost  thou  sleep,  when  Hector  is  restor'd? 

Nor  fear  the  Grecian  foes,  or  Grecian  lord? 

Thy  presence  here  should  stern  Atrides  see, 

Thy  still  surviving  sons  may  sue  for  thee; 

May  offer  all  thy  treasures  yet  contain, 

To  spare  thy  age;  and  offer  all  in  vain." 

Waked  with  the  word  the  trembling  sire  arose. 
And  raised  his  friend:  the  god  before  him  goes: 
He  joins  the  mules,  directs  them  with  his  hand, 
And  moves  in  silence  through  the  hostile  land. 
When  now  to  Xanthus'  yellow  stream  they  drove 
(Xanthus,  immortal  progeny  of  Jove), 
The  winged  deity  forsook  their  view. 
And  in  a  moment  to  Olympus  flew. 
Now  shed  Aurora  round  her  saffron  ray, 
Sprang  through  the  gates  of  light,  and  gave  the  day: 
Charged  with  the  mournful  load,  to  Ilion  go 
The  sage  and  king,  majestically  slow. 
Cassandra  first  beholds,  from  llion's  spire. 
The  sad  procession  of  a  hoary  sire; 
Then  as  the  pensive  pomp  advanced  more  near 
(Her  breathless  brother  stretched  upon  the  bier), 
A  shower  of  tears  o'erflows  her  beauteous  eyes. 
Alarming  thus  all  Hion  with  her  cries: 

"Turn  here  your  steps,  and  here  your  eyes  employ, 
Ye  wretched  daughters,  and  ye  sons  of  Troy! 
If  e'er  ye  rush'd  in  crowds,  with  vast  delight, 
To  hail  your  hero,  glorious  from  the  fight. 
Now  meet  him  dead,  and  let  your  sorrows  flow; 
Your  common  triumph,  and  your  common  woe.'* 

In  thronging  crowds  they  issue  to  the  plains; 
Nor  man  nor  Avoman  in  the  walls  remains; 
In  every  face  the  self-same  grief  is  shown; 
And  Troy  sends  forth  one  universal  groan. 


THE  ILIAD.  543 

At  Scaea's  gates  they  meet  the  nionrning  wain, 
Hang  on  the  wheels,  and  grovel  ronnd  the  shiin. 
The  wife  and  mother,  frantic  with  despair, 
Kiss  his  pale  cheek,  and  rend  their  scatter'd  hair: 
Thns  wildly  wailing,  at  the  gates  they  lay; 
And  there  had  sigh'd  and  sorrow'd  out  the  day; 
But  godlike  Priam  from  the  chariot  rose: 
"Forbear  (he  cried)  this  violence  of  woes; 
First  to  the  palace  let  the  car  proceed, 
Then  pour  your  boundless  sorrows  o'er  the  dead." 

The  waves  of  people  at  his  word  divide, 
Slow  rolls  the  chariot  through  the  following  tide; 
Even  to  the  palace  the  sad  pom])  they  wait: 
They  weep,  and  place  him  on  the  bed  of  state. 
A  melancholy  choir  attend  around, 
AVith  plaintive  sighs,  and  music's  solemn  sound: 
Alternately  they  sing,  alternate  flow 
The  obedient  tears,  melodious  in  their  woe. 
While  deeper  sorrows  groan  from  each  full  heart, 
And  nature  speaks  at  every  pause  of  art. 

First  to  the  corse  the  weeping  consort  flew; 
Around  his  neck  her  milk-white  arms  she  threw, 
"And  oh,  my  Hector  I     Oh,  my  lord!  (she  cries) 
Snatch'd  in  thy  bloom  from  these  desiring  eyes! 
Thou  to  the  distant  realms  forever  gone! 
And  I  abandon'd,  desolate,  alone! 
An  only  son,  once  comfort  of  our  pains, 
Sad  product  now  of  hapless  love,  remains! 
Never  to  manly  ago  that  son  shall  rise, 
Or  with  increasing  graces  glad  my  eyes: 
For  Hion  now  (her  great  defender  slain) 
Shall  sink  a  smoking  ruin  on  the  i)lain. 
Who  now  protects  her  wives  with  guardian  care? 
Who  saves  her  infants  from  the  ragi^  of  war? 
Now  hostile  fleets  must  waft  those  iiifants  o'er 
(Those  wives  must  wait  them)  to  a  foreign  shore: 
Thou  too,  my  son,  fo  barbarous  climes  shalt  go, 
The  sad  companion  of  thy  motl^er's  woe; 
Driven  hencr'  ;i  slave  licfore  tlio  victor's  sword, 
(y'ondemn'd  to  tr)il  for  sfiine  inhuman  lord: 
Or  else  some  fJreek  whose  father  itrcss'd  the  plain. 
Or  son,  or  brother,  Ijy  great  Hector  slain, 
Jn  Hector's  blood  his  vengeance  .shall  enjoy, 


544  THE  ILIAD. 

And  liurl  thee  headlong  from  the  towers  of  Troy.* 

For  thy  stern  father  never  spared  a  foe: 

Thence  all  these  tears,  and  all  this  scene  of  woe! 

Thence  many  evils  his  sad  parents  bore, 

His  parents  many,  but  his  consort  more. 

Why  gav'st  thou  not  to  me  thy  dying  hand? 

And  why  received  not  I  thy  last  command? 

Some  word  thou  wouldst  have  spoke,  which,  sadly  dear, 

My  soul  might  keep,  or  utter  with  a  tear; 

Which  never,  never  could  be  lost  in  air, 

Eix'd  in  my  heart,  and  oft  repeated  there!'* 

Thus  to  her  weeping  maids  she  makes  her  moan, 
Her  weeping  handmaids  echo  groan  for  groan. 

The  mournful  mother  next  sustains  her  part: 
*'0  thou,  the  best,  the  dearest  to  my  heart! 
Of  all  my  race  thou  most  by  heaven  approved, 
And  by  the  immortals  even  in  death  beloved! 
While  all  my  other  sons  in  barbarous  bands 
Achilles  bound,  and  sold  to  foreign  lands. 
This  felt  no  chains,  but  went  a  glorious  ghost. 
Free,  and  a  hero,  to  the  Stygian  coast. 
Sentenced,  'tis  true,  by  his  inhuman  doom, 
Thy  noble  corse  was  dragg'd  around  the  tomb 
(The  tomb  of  him  thy  warlike  arm  had  slain); 
Ungenerous  insult,  impotent  and  vain! 
Yet  glow'st  thou  fresh  with  every  living  grace; 
No  mark  of  pain,  or  violence  of  face: 
Eosy  and  fair!  as  Phoebus'  silver  bow 
Dismiss'd  thee  gently  to  the  shades  below." 

Tiius  spoke  the  dame,  and  melted  into  tears. 
Sad  Helen  next  in  pomp  of  grief  appears; 
Fast  from  the  shining  sluices  of  her  eyes 
Fall  the  round  crystal  drops,  while  thus  she  cries: 

"Ah,  dearest  friend!  in  whom  the  gods  had  join'df 

*  Such  was  the  fate  of  Astyanax,  when  Troy  was  taken. 
"  Here,  from  the  tow'r  by  stern  Ulysses  thrown, 
Andromache  bevvail'd  her  infant  son." 

— Merrick's  Tryphiodorus,  v.  875. 
\  The  following  observations  of  Coleridge  furnish  a  most  gal- 
lant and  interesting  view  of  Helen's  character: 

"  Few  things  are  more  interesting  than  to  observe  how  the 
same  hand  that  has  given  us  the  fury  and  inconsistency  of  Achilles 
gives  us  also  the  consummate  elegance  and  tenderness  of  Helen. 
She  is  through  the  Iliad  a  genuine  lady,  graceful  in  motion  and 
speech,  noble  in  her  associations,  full  of  remorse  for  a  fault  for 
which  higher  powers  seem  responsible,  yet  graceful  and  affec- 
tionate toward  those  with  whom  that  fault  had  committed  her. 


THE  ILIAD.  545 

The  mildest  manners  with  the  bravest  mind ; 

Now  twice  ten  years  (unhappy  years)  are  o'er 

Since  Paris  brought  me  to  the  Trojan  shore; 

(0  had  I  perish'd,  ere  tliat  form  divine 

Sedaced  this  soft,  this  easy  heart  of  mine  I) 

Yet  was  it  ne'er  my  fate,  from  thee  to  find 

A  deed  unsfentle,  or  a  word  nnkind: 

When  others  cursed  the  autlioress  of  their  woe, 

Tliy  pity  check'd  my  sorrows  in  tlieir  flow: 

If  some  proud  brother  eyed  me  with  disdain, 

Or  scornful  sister  with  her  sweeping  train. 

Thy  gentle  accents  soften'd  all  my  pain. 

For  thee  I  mourn;  and  mourn  myself  in  thee 

The  wretched  source  of  all  this  misery: 

The  fate  I  caused,  forever  I  bemoan; 

Sad  Helen  has  no  friend,  now  thou  art  gone! 

Tiirough  Troy's  wide  streets  abandoned  shall  I  roam: 

In  Troy  deserted,  as  abhorr'd  at  home  I" 

So  spoke  the  fair,  with  sorrow-streaming  eye: 
l^istressful  beauty  melts  each  stander-by: 
On  all  around  the  infectious  sorrow  grows; 
IJut  Priam  check'd  the  torrent  as  it  rose: 
"Perforin,  ye  Trojans!  what  the  rites  require, 
And  fell  the  forests  for  a  funeral  pyre; 
Twelve  days,  nor  foes  nor  secret  ambush  dread; 
Achilles  grants  those  iionors  to  tlie  dead."* 

He  spoke;  and,  at  his  word,  the  Trojan  train 
Their  mules  and  oxen  harness  to  the  wain, 

I  have  always  tbouglit  the  followintj  speech,  in  which  Helen 
laments  Hector,  and  hints  at  her  own  invidious  and  unprotected 
situation  in  Troy,  as  almost  the  sweetest  j)assafce  in  tlie  poem.  It 
is  another  strikiiif^  instance  of  that  refinement  of  feeiinj^and  soft- 
ness of  tone  which  so  penerally  distinguish  the  last  book  of  the 
Iliad  from  the  rest." — Classic  I'oets,  ji.  19M,  set]. 

*  "  And  iiere  we  jiart  with  .Xrdiilles.  at  tiie  moment  best  cal- 
culated to  exalt  and  |)urify  our  impression  f)f  his  charurter.  \N'e 
had  accompanied  him  through  tlie  effervescence,  undulations, 
and  final  sulisidence  of  his  stormy  passions.  We  now  leav<!  him 
in  re[)ose,  and  under  the  full  influenre  of  the  niore  amiable  alTec- 
tions;  while  our  admiration  of  his  great  tpialities  is  cliastt-ned  by 
the  reflection  that,  within  a  few  siiort  <lays,  the  mighty  being  in 
whom  tli»*y  were  uiiit<'d  wiis  himself  tf>  In-  cut  off  sud<l<Mily  in  the 
full  vigor  of  their  exercise.  *  *  *  The  fn-ijuent  and  touching 
allusions,  interspersed  throughout  tlie  Hiad,  to  the  H|)eedy  ter- 
mination of  its  hero's  course,  and  the  moral  on  the  vanity  of 
human  life  wliicli  tiiey  indicate,  are  among  the  finest  evidences 
of  tin-  s;>irit  of  ••thir  unity  by  wiiirh  the  whole  framework  of  the 
poem  is  united." — Mure,  vol.  i.  p.  201. 


546  THE  ILIAD 

Pour  throngh  the  gates,  and  fell'd  from  Ida's  crown, 

Roll  back  the  gather'd  forests  to  the  town. 

These  toils  continue  nine  succeeding  days, 

And  high  in  air  a  sylvan  structure  raise. 

But  when  the  tenth  fair  morn  began  to  shine, 

Forth  to  the  pile  was  borne  the  man  divine, 

And  placed  aloft;  while  all,  with  streaming  eyes, 

Beheld  the  flames  and  rolling  smokes  arise. 

Soon  as  Aurora,  daughter  of  the  dawn, 

With  rosy  lustre  streak'd  the  dewy  lawn, 

Again  the  mournful  crowds  surround  the  pyre, 

And  quench  with  wine  the  yet  remaining  fire. 

The  snowy  bones  his  friends  and  brothers  place 

(With  tears  collected)  in  a  golden  vase; 

The  golden  vase  in  purple  palls  they  roll'd, 

Of  softest  texture,  and  inwrought  with  gold. 

Last  o'er  the  urn  the  sacred  earth  they  spread. 

And  raised  the  tomb,  memorial  of  the  dead. 

(Strong  guards  and  spies,  till  all  the  rites  were  done, 

Watch'd  from  the  rising  to  the  setting  sun.) 

All  Troy  then  moves  to  Priam's  court  again, 

A  solemn,  silent,  melancholy  train: 

Assembled  there,  from  pious  toil  they  rest. 

And  sadly  shared  the  last  sepulchral  feast. 

Such  honors  Ilion  to  her  hero  paid. 

And  peaceful  slept  the  mighty  Hector's  shade.* 


*  Cowper  says,  "I  cannot  take  my  ]eave  of  this  noble  poem 
without  expressing  bow  mucb  I  am  struck  witb  tbe  plain  con- 
clusion of  it.  It  is  like  tbe  exit  of  a  great  man  out  of  company, 
whom  be  has  entertained  magnificently:  neitber  pompous  nor 
familiar;  not  contemptuous,  yet  witbout  mucb  ceremony."  Cole- 
ridge, p.  227,  considers  tbe  termination  of  "  Paradise  Lost,"  some- 
what similar. 


THE  ILIAD.  547 


CONCLUDING  NOTE. 


We  liave  now  passed  throupb  tlie  Iliad,  and  seen  the  anger  of 
Achilles,  and  the  terrible  effects  of  it,  at  an  end:  as  that  only  was 
the  subject  of  the  poem,  and  the  nature  of  epic  poetry  would  not 
permit  our  author  to  proceed  to  the  event  of  the  war,  it  perhaps 
may  be  acceptable  to  the  common  reader  to  give  a  short  account 
of  what  ha])pened  to  Troy  and  the  chief  actors  in  this  poem  after 
the  conclusion  of  it. 

I  need  not  mention  that  Troy  was  taken  soon  after  the  death  of 
Hector  by  the  stratagem  of  the  wooden  horse,  the  particulars  of 
which  are  described  by  Virgil  in  the  second  book  of  the  .Eneid. 

Achilles  fell  before  Troy  by  the  hand  of  Paris,  by  the  shot  of 
an  arrow  in  his  heel,  as  Hector  had  prophesied  at  his  death,  lib. 
xxii. 

The  unfortunate  Priam  was  killed  by  Pyrrhus,  the  son  of 
Achilles. 

Ajax,  after  the  death  of  Achilles,  had  a  contest  with  Ulysses 
for  the  armor  of  Vulcan;  but  being  defeated  in  his  aim,  be  slew 
himself  through  indignation. 

Helen,  after  tlm  death  of  Paris,  married  Deiphobus  his  brother, 
and  at  the  taking  <if  Troy  bt^trayed  him,  in  order  to  reconcile  her- 
self to  -Menelaiis  her  first  husband,  who  received  her  again  into 
favor. 

.Agamemnon  at  his  return  was  barbarously  murdered  by 
.Kgysthus,  at  the  instigation  of  Clytemnestra  his  wife,  who  in 
his  absence  liad  dishonun-d  his  bed  with  .l"]gysthus. 

Diomed,  afti^r  the  fall  of  Troy,  wjis  expelled  his  own  country, 
and  scarce  escaped  with  his  life  from  his  adulterous  wife  .l-'giale: 
but  at  hi.':t  was  received  i)y  i)auiius  in  .\|)ulia,  anil  sliared  bis 
kingdom;  it  is  uncertain  how  he  <iii*d. 

Nestor  lived  in  peace  with  his  childrcai,  in  J'ylos,  his  native 
■  ountry. 

I'lyH.ses  also,  after  innuinerablo  troubles  by  sr-a  and  land,  at 
last  returnfrd  in  safety  to  Ithaca,  wliidi  is  the  subject  of  Homer's 
Odyssey, 

I'"r»r  what  remains,  I  l)eg  to  be  excused  frnm  the  ceremonies  of 
taking  leave  at  the  end  of  my  work;  and  from  ombarraHKing  my- 
.self,  or  others,  witli  aiiy  defences  or  apologies  about  it.  Hut  iu- 
Htead  of  endeavoring  to  raise  n  vuin  monuui'Mil  to  iiivself,  of  tlie 
merits  or  fliHiculties  of  it  (wliirli  must  be  left  to  IIm-  world,  to 
truth,  ninl  to  posterity),  let  ni«  leave  iiehjnd  me  a  memorial  of 
my  friendship  with  one  of  the  most  valuable  of  men,  as  well  as 
(iiiest    writers,  of  my    age    mid    coiintiv     one  who    lias    trii-cl.    ;ind 


548  THE  ILIAD. 

knows  by  liis  own  experience,  how  hard  an  undertaking  it  is  to 
do  justice  to  Homer;  and  one  who  (I  am  sure)  sincerely  rejoices 
with  me  at  the  period  of  my  labors.  To  him,  therefore,  having 
brought  this  long  work  to  a  conclusion,  I  desire  to  dedicate  it; 
and  to  have  the  honor  and  satisfaction  of  placing  together,  in  this 
manner,  the  names  of  Mr.  CONGREVE,  and  of 

March  25,  1720,  A.  POPE. 

T(3v  GscSvdk  EVTtoiia — to  nrj  £7ti  itXiov  jxe  Ttponoqiai  kv 
Uoiiirixrj  xai  aXXo/u  eTnrr/dEv/iadi,  kv  oh  i6ooi  av  HaTEdxsQr^v, 
si  rjdOojiiTfv  ejLiavTov  avodooi  npoLovra. 

M.  AuREL.  Anton,  de  Seipso,  lib.  i.  §  7. 


END  OF  THE  ILIAD. 


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By 


more. 
Cloi.ster  and  the  Hearth.   By  Chaa. 

K.-adc'. 
Confessions  of  an  Opium-Eater. 

liy  T.  ill-  (Juincey. 
Consuelo.    By  (leorge  Sand. 


Bondman,  The.     By  Hall  Calne. 


Barbara   Heathcote's   Trial. 

lio-ia  N.  ('.iri'V. 

Barnaby  Rudge.    By  Chas.  Dickens.    Corinne.    By  Matlame  do  Stacl. 

Berber,  The.    By  W.  S.  Mayo.  Countess  Gisela,  The.    By  E.  Mar- 

t         liii. 
Betrothed,  The.     By  Alessandro    Countess  of  Rudolstadt.    By  fleo. 

Miinzi.iii.  Sand. 

Bleak  House.     Hy  Charles  Dickmm.     Cousin  Pons.     Hy  II on.jro  de  Balzac. 

Cradock  Nowell.     By  R.  D.  Black- 
more. 
Bride  of  the  Nile,  The.     By  riporgo  '  Cranford.    By  Mrs.  flawkell. 

Burgomaster'H     Wife,    The.      I'.y    Crlpps  the  Carrier,    liy  R.  D.BIock- 

( ;..>,rgi-   l-.txTM  iiioriv 

By  Order  of  the  King.     By  Victor    Crown  of  Wild  Olive,  The.      By 

llu^o.  .loliii    Itiiskiii 

California  and  Oregon  Trail.    By    Daniel  Deronda.    By  (Jeorgo  Eliot. 

^'r.•lTll•i^  I'arkmati.  .Ir 

For  Mttltf  hji  nil   lifntl.-ii  llrrn,  ttr  mrttt  jinst  jdi  ill  iin    rtniiil  of  /irlrr  by 
tlm  pnhliHlur,  A.    h.    ItVltTy  .'*  7    Jtradr  Strrrt,   \ru-    lor/.-. 


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THREE  HUNDRED  AND  TEN   TITLES. 
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Data  of  Ethics.  By  Herbert  Spen- 
cer. 

Daughter  of  an  Empress,  The. 
By  Louisa  Muhlbach. 

Daughter  of  Heth,  A.  By  William 
Black. 

David  Copperfield.  By  Charles 
Dickens. 

Deemster,  The.    By  Hall  Caine. 


By  James  Feni- 
By  Charles  Dar- 


Deerslayer,  The. 

more  Cooper. 

Descent  of  Man. 
win. 

Discourses  of  Epictetus.  Trans- 
lated by  George  Long. 

Divine  Comedy,  The.  (Dante.) 
Translated  by  Gary. 

Dombey  &  Son.   By  Charles  Dickens. 

Donal  Grant.  By  George  Macdonald. 

Donald  Ross  of  Heimra.    By  Wm. 

Black. 
Donovan.    By  Edna  Lyall. 

Dream  Life.    By  Ik  Marvel. 

Duty.    By  Samuel  Smiles. 

East  Lsmne.    By  Mrs.  Henry  Wood. 

Egoist,  The.    By  George  Meredith. 

Egyptian  Princess,  An.    By  Geo. 

Ebers. 
Emerson's  Essays.  (Complete.)  By 

R.  W.  Emerson. 
Emperor,  The.    By  George  Ebers. 

Essays  of  Elia.    By  Charles  Lamb, 

Esther.    By  Rosa  N.  Carey. 

Executor,  The.    By  Mrs.  Alexander. 

Far  from  the  Madding    Crowd. 

By  Thomas  Hardy. 
Faust.   (Goethe.)  Translated  by  Anna 

Swanwick. 
Felix  Holt.    By  George  Eliot. 

Fifteen  Decisive  Battles  of  the 

"World.     By  Creasy. 
File  No.  113.    By  Emile  Gaboriau. 

Firm  of  Girdlestone.  By  A.  Conan 
Doyle . 

First  Principles.  By  Herbert  Spen- 
cer. 

First  "Violin .    By  Jessie  FothergiU. 


For  Faith  and  Freedom. 

ter  Besant. 


By  Wal- 


Frederick    the    Great    and    His 

Court.    By  Louisa  Muhlbach. 
French   Revolution.     By  Thomas 

Carlyle. 
From  the  Earth  to  the  Moon.    By 

Jules  Verne. 
Goethe  and  Schiller.     By  Louisa 

Muhlbach. 
Gold  Bug,  The,  and  Other  Tales. 

By  Edgar  A.  Poe. 
Gold  Elsie.    By  E.  Marlitt. 


I 


Good  Luck. 


By  E.  Werner. 

By  Charles 


Great  Expectations 

Dickens. 
Great  Taboo,  The.    By  Grant  Allen. 

Great  Treason,  A.  By  Mary  Hop- 
pus. 

Green  Mountain  Boys,  The.  By 
D.  P.  Thompson. 

Grimm's  Household  Tales.  By 
the  Brothers  Grimm. 

Grimm's  Popular  Tales.  By  the 
Brothers  Grimm. 

Gulliver's  Travels.    By  Dean  Swift. 

Handy  Andy.    By  Samuel  Lover. 

Hardy   Norseman,  A.     By   Edna 

LyaU. 
Harold.    By  Bulwer-Lytton. 

Harry  Lorrequer.    By  Chas.  Lever. 

Heir  of  Redclyffe.  By  Charlotte 
M.  Yonge. 

Henry  Esmond.  By  William  M. 
Tliackera.^-. 

Her  Dearest  Foe.  By  Mrs.  Alexan- 
der. 

Heriot's  Choice.    By  Rosa  N.  Carey. 

Heroes  and  Hero  "Worship.    By 

Tliomas  Carlyle. 
History  of  a   Crime.     By   Victor 

Hugo. 
History  of  Civilization  in  Europe 

By  Guizot. 
Holy  Roman  Empire.    By  James 

Bryce. 
Homo  Sum.    By  George  Ebers. 

House  of  the  Seven  Gables.  By 
Nathaniel  Hawthorne. 

House  of  the  "Wolf.  By  Stanley 
Weyman. 

How  to  be  Happy  Though  Mar- 
ried. 

Hunchback  of  Notre  Dame.  By 
Victor  Hugo. 

Hypatia.    By  Charles  Kingsley. 


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Idle  Thoughts  of  an  Idle  Fellow;.    Lover    or    Friend  P     By   Rosa  N. 


\',y  .J.  K.  .leroine. 
In  Far  Lochaber.    By  Wm.  Black. 

Initials,  The.  By  the  Baroness 
Taulpliofus. 

In  the  Counselor's  House.  By  E. 
Marlitt. 

In  the  Golden  Days.  By  Edna 
Lvall. 

In  the  Heart  of  the  Storm.  Uy 
Maxwt'll  lirev. 

In  the  Schillingscourt.  By  E.  Mar- 
litt. 

It  is  Never  Too  Late  to  Mend. 
B\'  Charles  Readt*. 

Ivanhoe.    By  Sir  Waller  Scott. 

Jack's    Courtship.     By    W.    Clark 

Russell. 
Jack  Hinton,    l3y  Charles  Lever. 

Jane  Eyre.    By  Charlotte  Bronte. 

John    Halifax,    Gentleman.     By 

>Iiss  Mulock. 
Joshua.    By  George  Ebers. 

Kenilworth.    By  Sir  "Walter  Scott. 

Kidnapped.  By  Robert  L.  Stevenson. 

Kit  and  Kitty.    By  R.  D.  Blackmore. 

Kith  and  Kin.    By  Jessie  Fotli<T;rill. 

Blnickerbocker's  History  of  New 

York.     I'-v  W.  IrviiiLT. 
Knight  Errant.    By  lidna  Lyall. 

Lamplighter,    The.      By  Maria   S. 

( 'iirMriiiii;;s. 

Lady  With  the  Rubiee.     By    E. 

.Marlitt. 
Last  Days  of  Pompeii.    By  Biilwer- 

Lvtt.m. 
Last  of  the  Barons.     By   Bulwer- 

l.VII'lIl. 

Last  of  the  Mohicans.    By  James 

I'l'iiiriiMp-i'  ( '■M)[>i'i'. 
Life    of   Christ.      By    Frederic  W. 


Carey. 
Lucile.    By  Owen  Meredith. 

Maid  of  Sker.    By  R.  D.  Blackmore. 

Man  and  Wife.    By  Wilkie  Collins. 

Man  in  the  Iron  Mask.  By  Alex- 
andre Dumas, 

Martin  Chuzzlewit.  By  Charles 
Dickens. 

Mary  Anerley.  By  R.  D.  Black- 
more. 

Mary  St.  John.    Bj-  Rosa  N.  Carey. 

Master  of  Ballantrae,  The.    By  R. 

L.  Stevenson. 
Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  The. 

Bv  a.  M.  Fenn. 
Masterman    Ready.     By   Captain 

3Iarryat. 
Meditations  of  Marcus  Aurelius. 

1  rauslated  hv  Loujj. 
Merle's  Crusade .   By  Rosa  N.  Carey. 

Micah  Clarke.    By  A.  Conan  Doyle. 

Michael  Strogoff.     By  Jules  Verne. 

Middlemarch.    By  George  Eliot. 

Midshipman    Easy.     By    Captain 

Marrvat. 
Mill  on  the  Floss.    By  George  Eliot. 

Molly  Bawn.    By  "  The  Duchess." 

Moonstone,  The.    By  Wilkie  Collins. 

Mosses  from  an  Old  Manse.    By 

Nathaniel   Ilavvthnrne. 
Mysterious  Island,  The.    By  Jules 

Vi-riic-. 
Natural    Law    in    the    Spiritual 

World.     Hv  DriMiiiiKiiid. 
Nellie's    Memories.     By    Rosa   N. 

Can'V. 
Newcomes,    The.      By   Williani  M. 

'I'h.ieker-.iv. 
Nicholas    Nickleby.     By    Charles 

llicK-ells 


F.irr.ir. 
Light  of  Asia,  The.    By  Sir  Edwin  •  Ni?  ety-Three.     By  Victor  Hugo, 

Little  Dorrit.    By  Ch..rle9  Dickens.    ,  N  )  Name.     By  Wilkie  Collins. 


Ijongfellow's  Poems.     fKarly.) 


Not  Like  Other  Girls.    By  Rosa  N. 
Car.-v. 
Lorna  Doone.    By  R.  D.  Blackmore.    Old    Curiosity  Shop.     By  Charles 

Diekelis. 

Louise  de  la  Vallicre.     By  Alex-    Old    Mam'selle's   S:cret.      By   K. 

atidn-   Dnmas.  '  M.-.rllll. 

Love.  Me  Little,  Love  Mo  Long,     jld  Myddleton's  Money.   By  Mary 

By  Cliarl.-s  l;.-.id.-.  C.ril   Hay. 

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Oliver  Twist. 
Only  a  Word. 


By  Charles  Dickens. 
By  George  Ebers. 

By  Rosa  N. 


Only  the  Governess, 

Carey. 
On  the  Heights.    By  Berthold  Auer- 

bach. 
Origin    of    Species.      By    Charles 

Darwin. 
Other  "Worlds   Than   Ours.      By 

Richard  Proctoi'. 
Our  Bessie.    By  Rosa  N.  Carey. 

Our  Mutual  Friend.  By  Charles 
Dickens. 

Pair  of  Blue  Eyes,  A.  By  Thomas 
Hardy. 

Past  and  Present.  By  Thomas 
Carlyle. 

Pathfinder,  The.  By  James  Feni- 
more  Cooper. 

Pendennis.  By  William  M.  Thacke- 
ray. 

Pere  Groriot.    By  Honore  de  Balzac. 

Phantom    Rickshaw,    The.      By 

Rudyard  Kipling. 
Phra  the  Phoenician.     By  Edwin 

L.  Arnold. 
Picciola.    By  X.  B.  Saintine. 

Pickwick  Papers.   By  Chas.  Dickens 

Pilgrim's  Progress.    By  John  Bun- 

yan. 
Pilot,     The.      By    James    Fenimore 

Cooper. 
Pioneers,  The.    By  James  Fenimore 

Cooper. 
Prairie,  The.     By  James  Fenimore 

Cooper. 
Pride    and    Prejudice.      By   Jane 

Austen. 
Prime  Minister,  The.    By  Anthony 

Trollope. 
Princess  of  the  Moor.    By  E.  Mar- 

litt. 
Princess  of  Thule,  A.    By  William 

Black 
Professor,  The.     By  Charlotte 

Bronte. 
Put  Yourself  in  His  Place.     By 

Charles  Reade. 
Q,ueen  Hortense.    By  Louisa  Muhl- 

bach. 
dueenie's  "Whim.    By  Rosa  N.  Carey 

Ralph  the  Heir.  By  Anthony  Trol- 
lope. 

Red  Rover.  By  James  Fenimore 
Cooper. 

Reproach  of  Annesley.  By  Max- 
well Grey. 


By  Ik 


Reveries  of  a  Bachelor. 
Marvel. 

Rhoda  Fleming.  By  George  Mere- 
dith. 

Ride  to  Khiva,  A.  By  Captain  Fred 
Burnaby. 

Rienzi.    Bj'  Bulwer-Lytton. 

Robert  Ord's  Atonement.  By  Rosa 

N.  Carey. 
Robinson  Crusoe.    By  Daniel  Defoe. 

Rob  Roy.    By  Sir  Walter  Scott. 

Romance  of  a  Poor  "SToung  Man. 

By  Octave  Feuillet . 
Romance    of   Two   Worlds.     By 

.Alarie  Corelli. 
Romola.    By  George  Eliot. 

Rory  O'More.    By  Samuel  Lover. 

Saint  Michael.    By  E.  Werner. 

Sartor  Resartus.    By  Thos.  Carlyle. 

Schonberg-Cotta  Family.   By  Mrs. 

Andrew  Charles. 
Scarlet  Letter,  The.    By  Nathaniel 

Hawthorne. 
Scottish  Chiefs.    By  Jane  Porter. 

Search  for  Basil  Lyndhurst.    By 

Rosa  N.  Carev. 
Second  Wife,  The.    By  E.  Marhtt. 

Self-Help.    By  Samuel  Smiles. 

Sense  and  Sensibility.  By  Jant 
Austen. 

Sesame  and  Lilies.  By  John  Ras- 
kin. 

Shadow  of  a  Crime.    By  Hall  Caine. 

Shadow  of  the  Sword.    By  Robert 

Buclianan. 
Shirley.    By  Charlotte  Bronte. 

Silas  Marner.    By  George  Eliot. 

Silence    of   Dean  Maitland.     By 

Maxwell  Grey. 
Sin  of  Joost  Avelingh.   By  Maarten 

Maartens. 
Sir  Gibbie.    By  George  Macdonald. 

Sketch-Book,  The.    By  Washington 

Irving. 
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Jeanette  Duncan. 
Soldiers  Three,   etc.    By  Rudyard 

Kipling. 
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